Visit us in Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA to explore hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history.
Learn how aviation and spaceflight transformed the world.
The lunar module represents one of humanity’s greatest achievements: landing people on another heavenly body.
Don’t miss our fast-paced webcasts designed to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in 30 minutes.
Apollo 11 was a global event. What did that historic mission mean to you? Share your story and read what others have to say.
Our scientists are involved in current research focused on the Martian climate and geology. Find out what we’re discovering.
Recognize your favorite air or space enthusiast. Add his or her name to the Museum’s Wall of Honor.
As a public health precaution, both of our locations, along with all Smithsonian museums, are temporarily closed. See our message to visitors.
Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a Schwalbe (Swallow) Wheel
Nicknamed Schwalbe (Swallow), the Messerschmitt Me 262 surpassed the performance of every other World War II fighter. Faster than the North American P-51 Mustang by 190 kilometers (120 miles) per hour, the Schwalbe restored to the faltering German Luftwaffe a short-lived qualitative superiority that it had enjoyed earlier in the war. The Me 262 appeared in only relatively small numbers in the closing year of World War II. Messerschmitt factories produced 1,443 Me 262s, but only about 300 saw combat. Highlighted in this image is the wheel of the Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a.
