Many small steps led to that first giant leap for mankind, and many of these steps occurred in Ohio.
Before Wapakoneta native Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, the Wright brothers invented the first controlled airplane in their small Dayton bike shop. William Grimes illuminated night flights through the invention of aviation lighting just a few miles from the Wrights' test field. A pair of scientists in a top-secret laboratory in Miamisburg created spacecraft power systems that made exploration of deep space possible. These are just a few examples of how Ohioans propelled aviation and space exploration. Today, Ohio remains at the epicenter of aviation and aerospace research, innovation and manufacturing.
Follow in the footsteps (or flight paths) of pioneer aviators, innovators and explorers who helped the world take flight. Explore more than 30 museums and historic sites to learn more about Ohio’s contribution to aviation and aerospace.