Dec 18, 2025
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"This centennial replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer, shown here in the 40- by 80-foot test section, was one of many unusual planes tested in the National Full-Scale Tunnel Aerodynamics Complex."
Photographed by Tom Trower
Date: February 19, 1999
NASA ID: AC 99-0030-86
The Crisis Point 2 episode of Lower Decks is quite the emotional rollercoaster. It literally had me at hello, with some low-stakes holodeck fun inspired my multiple Star Trek movies. No failing safety protocols, just some friends having fun.
Gosh, I'm so there for it.
But then of course, the plot thickens. Boimler's transporter duplicate is dead?! And Boimler is now desperately seeking for some meaning of life in this holonovel! Tendi is deeply moved by the virtual death of a character designed after Dr T'Ana, and this way finds herself articulating her own ambitions for the very first time?!
This started as some harmless fun with great meta-level allusions to Trek movies, and now I'm amidst a story about the power of storytelling and art!
Plus, I learned that the Wright Brothers had their historic first flight in a town called Kitty Hawk. And guest starring: Sulu! Marvellous episode.
But then,
SECTION FUCKING 31?!?! IN MY LOWER DECKS EPISODE?!
(It's more likely than you think.)
Truly, a rollercoaster of emotions. Perfect score, no notes.
ON THIS DAY: On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, Ohio, conducted the first successful manned powered-airplane flights near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, using their experimental craft, the Wright Flyer.
Orville Wright at the controls, while his brother Wilbur looks on, made the first controlled, sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft with the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903, four miles south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, at what is now known as Kill Devil Hills.
66 years apart
Wright Flyer replica at the Henry Ford. It’s the fourth Wright Flyer replica I’ve seen this year.