Brian McGill, Danny Dougherty and Micah Maidenberg
The Wright brothers made history when they flew a gasoline-powered plane into the air for 12 seconds one morning in 1903. Little did they know that more than a century later, American scientists would operate robotic vehicles on Mars.
Innovation has been a defining feature in U.S. commercial aviation and government programs, helping them reach new heights. And despite numerous setbacks, including tragic accidents, the country has often been able to stay at the forefront of flight.
Companies often worked closely with government agencies to ramp up the industry and, at times, help the U.S. gain an edge over rivals. The U.S. Postal Service stoked the early airline business by hiring planes to ship mail; the Pentagon’s demand for rockets, satellites, fighter jets and more has boosted military and aerospace contractors.