ABOUT THE CHINA LAKE MUSEUM
The China Lake Museum preserves and shares the story of one of America's most important centers of scientific innovation, military service, and engineering. China Lake is the birthplace of U.S. air-launched rockets and home to innovations such as the Sidewinder missile, where scientists, engineers, military personnel, and civilians worked together to solve problems that transformed naval aviation and national defense.
From World War II through today, China Lake has grown into a full-spectrum research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) center. The museum tells that story through artifacts, photographs, aircraft, guided weapons, personal stories, and educational programs that connect visitors with the people and ideas behind the technology.
Main gate of the U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake
OUR MISSION
The museum honors the people behind the technology, preserves China Lake history, and inspires future generations through exhibits, education, and community engagement.
Chemiluminescence research at China Lake
WHAT MAKES THE
CHINA LAKE MUSEUM DIFFERENT?
Most aviation museums focus primarily on aircraft. The China Lake Museum tells the broader story of the people, research, testing, and innovation behind the technologies that made those aircraft and weapons more capable. Visitors discover not only what was developed, but why it was needed and how teams of scientists, engineers, technicians, military personnel, and civilians solved difficult national-defense problems.
Woman in A-7 simulation lab at China Lake
MORE THAN ARTIFACTS
The artifacts are important, but they are only part of the story. Photographs, documents, technical records, and personal accounts help explain who designed, tested, built, operated, maintained, and supported the work accomplished at China Lake. The museum preserves these materials both in its physical collection and through its growing digital archive.
Tiny Tim rocket test over the China Lake ranges
EDUCATION AND THE FUTURE
The museum also looks forward. Through STEAM learning, school visits, classes, and community programs, the museum helps discover that curiosity and experimentation can change the future."