Jason Rhian

August 6th, 2017

Photo Credit: Mark Usciak / SpaceFlight Insider

OSHKOSH, Wis. When one thinks of air shows, images of sleek fighter planes, aerial acrobats spinning plumes of smoke and old warbirds majestically flying past spectators. However, with ever-increasing regularity, spacecraft and astronauts are becoming key participants in these shows. The recent EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2017 air show was no exception.

Guests at Oshkosh 2017 can be seen circling round Blue Origins New Shepard display. Image Credit: Jeff Bezos / Twitter

NASAs new super heavy-lift Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion programs were represented at Oshkosh, with prime contractors Orbital ATK, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Lockheed Martin and Boeing attending. However, without a doubt, the biggest draw at this years air show was Blue Origins New Shepard rocket and capsule.

Blue Origins Founder Jeff Bezos posted an aerial picture from Oshkosh 2017 showing attendees lining up to tour New Shepard on Twitter the line can be seen stretching and arcing around and around. However, hardware wasnt the only draw for the show.

With Apollo astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Frank Borman, Walt Cunningham, Fred Haise, Jim Lovell and Al Worden, and retired NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz Oshkosh 2017 had some serious star power from the brave men and women who kicked open the door of the Space Age more than 50 years ago. Some more recent members of this elite cadre were on hand for Oshkosh 2017.

The Space Launch System and Orion industry team was pleased by the excitement at EAA AirVenture for the SLS and Orion programs, Charlie Precourt, general manager and vice president, Orbital ATKs Propulsion Systems Division, and four-time space shuttle astronaut told SpaceFlight Insider. Its great to see our youth planning to be the first people on Mars, and they know the rocket theyre going to fly is NASAs Space Launch System.

Precourts involvement with this years Oshkosh was beneficial in terms of promoting NASAs long term space ambitions. With the space agency planning on sending crews to deep space destinations within the next decade, the four-time shuttle veteran was joined bySLS Strategic Communications Manager Marcia Lindstrom who moderated a discussion that detailed the new rockets capabilities. He was joined on the panel discussion byBoeings Tony Castilleja, Kim Couch, and Orbital ATKs Jeremy Redden. By all accounts, Oshkosh 2017 helped provide the public with more information about the new rocket and spacecraft.

The SLS/Orion exhibit was in NASAs building at Oshkosh (some 881 commercial exhibitors were at this years air show) and saw more foot traffic than in the last five years at the airshow.When one considers the volume of attendees at Oshkosh 2017, that is substantial.

More than 10,000 aircraft arrived for the air show (with some 2,991 showplanes), with an estimated 590,000 guests attending. With each passing year, Oshkosh continues to increase its aeronautical and space flight awareness efforts, something the shows producers have worked to emphasize.

What an incredible year it was at Oshkosh. From the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Apollo reunion, to new aviation innovations on display and two B-29s flying formation as part of 75 years of bombers on parade, it was a week filled with OnIy at Oshkosh moments, said the EAAs Chairman Jack Pelton via a release. You could feel the energy as thousands of airplanes arrived early and stayed longer, pushing aircraft camping to capacity for most of the event. The aviators and enthusiasts who attended were engaged, eager, and passionate, demonstrating how Oshkosh is the best example of why general aviation is so vitally important to the country. I believe its the best AirVenture week that Ive ever seen.

Airshows often highlight the past, present and future of space exploration initiatives and the EAA Airventure 2017 Oshkosh festival - was no exception. Held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the event ran from July 24-30, 2017 and saw scores of personal aircraft, military jets, war birds, rockets, spacecraft and even Apollo-era astronauts attend. Photos courtesy: Patrick Franklin, Mark Usciak

Tagged: Blue Origin Charlie Precourt EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2017 Jeff Bezos NASA Orbital ATK The Range

Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills with internships at NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content for outlets such as: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today.

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2017 Oshkosh air show puts 'space' in Aerospace - SpaceFlight Insider