Uncovering the Global Impact of Space Exploration with Teasel Muir-Harmony
“As a child, I was captivated by big questions: Where do we come from? Who are we? What is the universe made of? These fundamental questions sparked my curiosity and drew me to astronomy.”
Teasel Muir-Harmony, curator of the Apollo collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, dedicates her life to uncovering the untold stories of space exploration. Her book, Operation Moonglow: A Political History of Project Apollo, tells one such story, revealing that Apollo was more than just a moon landing; it was about uniting the world to support space exploration, fulfilling Kennedy’s vision of space as a collective achievement for all humanity.
Teasel Muir-Harmony, former AIP post-doc and current curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Claire Scoville
Teasel has spent her career bringing space history to light, tracing the complex intersections of science, politics, and human ambition. Her first exposure to AIP came while she was researching the history of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, where she worked closely with historians David DeVorkin and Patrick McCray, both of whom had deep connections to AIP. This experience piqued her interest in the history of science and technology, leading Teasel to pursue a postdoctoral position at AIP, where she focused on heliophysics. During her time there, she gained a deeper understanding of how science evolves and connects across disciplines, engaging with a vibrant community of scholars and expanding her knowledge in previously unexplored areas.
For Teasel, studying the history of science is more than an academic pursuit—it is essential to understanding where we are today. It reveals why we think the way we do, where our ideas originate, and how knowledge is shaped by individuals, social structures, and historical moments. Understanding past attempts—especially their failures—is crucial for future success when undertaking something as ambitious as sending humans to the Moon. Science and technology do not advance in isolation; they build on past efforts, informed by both triumphs and setbacks.
Supporting the physical sciences is essential, not just for advancing technology but for addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, a sentiment that Teasel strongly embraces. Physics drives technological progress, provides solutions to global issues like climate change, and deepens our understanding of Earth’s systems. She believes that investing in science transforms lives, creates a sustainable future, and guides us toward a brighter world—one where knowledge transcends boundaries, inspiring generations to dream beyond what’s possible.
