National Museum of the United States Air Force™

In support of an official event

The Museum will be closed Sunday, May 25
In addition, the Fourth Hangar will be closed Saturday, May 24

Access to the Presidential Gallery will be limited from May 15 to June 5

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HEXAGON KH-9

This drawing shows the extremely complex path of HEXAGON KH-9 main camera film. It ran through more than 100 rollers and precision “air bar” assemblies where it floated on a cushion of gas. The feed reels are on the right, and the four return capsules are on the left, with the cameras in the middle. Film moved at up to 200 inches per second inside the airtight, light-tight, pressurized, climate-controlled film path. (Photo courtesy of National Reconnaissance Office)

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HEXAGON KH-9

Drawing showing the side-by-side arrangement of HEXAGON’s twin rotating KH-9 panoramic cameras. You can see both cameras on the underside of the satellite. (Photo courtesy of National Reconnaissance Office)

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HEXAGON KH-9

Basic elements of the HEXAGON KH-9, with mapping camera. (Photo courtesy of National Reconnaissance Office)

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GAMBIT 3 KH-8 Diagram

GAMBIT 3 KH-8 launch, operation and recovery sequence. (Photo courtesy of National Reconnaissance Office)

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GAMBIT 3 KH-8 Diagram

This diagram shows how light traveled between mirrors before being corrected for distortion and finally focused on the film plane. (Photo courtesy of National Reconnaissance Office)

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GAMBIT 3 KH-8 Schematic

GAMBIT 3 KH-8 schematic showing the folded path camera, roll joint connecting the Agena and payload sections, and dual film return vehicles. (Photo courtesy of National Reconnaissance Office)

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6593rd Test Squadron

Later informal emblem of the USAF’s 6593rd Test Squadron, which operated C-119 and C-130 aircraft to catch satellite payloads in midair. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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6593rd Test Squadron

Early informal emblem of the USAF’s 6593rd Test Squadron, which operated C-119 and C-130 aircraft to catch satellite payloads in midair. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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6594th Test Wing

Informal patch from the USAF 6594th Test Group showing a C-130 “bird” catching a satellite payload. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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6594th Test Wing

Airmen of the 6594th Test Wing with a practice satellite payload. Note the falling star logo on their JC-130B Hercules aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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JC-130B

An Air Force JC-130B practices catching a satellite “bucket” with grappling gear and winch at Edwards AFB, Calif., 1969. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Satellite Catching Gear

Satellite catching gear deployed from an Air Force C-119J. These aircraft recovered CORONA satellite film capsules beginning in 1960, and later gave way to the faster, more powerful C-130 Hercules aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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GAMBIT 1 KH-7 Schematic

GAMBIT 1 KH-7 schematic showing the arrangement of the camera, film supply and re-entry vehicle. (Photo courtesy of National Reconnaissance Office)

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Severodvinsk Shipyard

GAMBIT KH-7 image of the Severodvinsk shipyard in the USSR, May 29, 1967. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey)

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6594th Test Group

Emblem of the USAF 6594th Test Group, Hickam Field, Hawaii, whose motto “Catch a Falling Star” perfectly captured their mission.

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Air Force Satellite Test Center

The Air Force Satellite Test Center, Sunnyvale, Calif. This facility was popularly known as the “Blue Cube.” (Photo courtesy of kadiak.org)

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National Reconnaissance Office

National Reconnaissance Office logo.

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"Dirty Thirty"

"Dirty Thirty" personnel with Lt. Col. Nguyen Cao Ky (top, second from right), the commander of the VNAF 43rd Air Transport Group. Ky later became the Prime Minister (1965-1967) and Vice President (1967-1971) of South Vietnam. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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"Dirty Thirty"

"Dirty Thirty" missions often received ground fire. VNAF Lt. Tam points to a bullet hole that pierced this aircraft’s fuel tanks. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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"Dirty Thirty"

"Dirty Thirty" pilot with VNAF personnel at Pleiku, South Vietnam, in 1963. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Screening at Entrance
All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items:
- Firearms*
- Knives
- Box cutters
- Food and Soda Drinks
- Alcohol
- Coolers

* Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c)

Permitted Items:
- Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.)
- Purses
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags
- Strollers
- Service animals

Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
Visitor Photography Notice
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media.
Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.