CIA’s Eyes in the Sky—From Spy Planes and Space to Everyday Technology

During the Cold War, visionary CIA officers and their partners pushed the boundaries of science and engineering to create breakthrough capabilities. CIA’s pursuit of aerial and space-based solutions to urgent national security challenges continues to spark innovations that reshaped the modern world. 

In partnership with CIA, this program will look at CIA stories found in the National Air and Space Museum collection, including aerial innovations like the U-2 aircraft, the CORONA Satellite Program, the Insectothopter, and the lineage of the A-12 Oxcart to the SR-71 Blackbird. These stories of bold risk-taking and relentless problem solving led to innovations that delivered lasting, positive impacts far beyond intelligence, including the development of Keyhole reconnaissance and its resulting legacy Google Earth. Join us to learn how these innovations born in secrecy have shaped technology, industry, and daily life. 

Visit the Museum's galleries from 7-8 pm then hear from Dr. Brent Geary and Col. Buz Carpenter (ret.) from 8-9 pm. 
 
Panelists include: 

• Dr. Brent Geary, CIA historian (full bio will appear in dropdown)
• Col. Adelbert "Buz" Carpenter (retired), SR-71 pilot and National Air and Space Museum docent 
• Moderated by Chris Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director of National Air and Space Museum 

This lecture is a part of the Smithsonian’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing on the Declaration of Independence. 

Your registration includes:

• A ticket to this 250th anniversary talk from 8-9 pm.
• 6 pm: After-hours access to the Museum's exhibitions, including our five newest galleries, additional Discovery Stations, and Ask an Expert stations featuring CIA historians and museum staff (optional) 
• Access to select Museum galleries from 7-8 pm. Check the event website for a list of open galleries as we get closer to the program. 
• Opportunities to learn about CIA-driven innovations from Museum staff and CIA staff at Discovery Stations from 7-8 pm.