This is a quad, or cluster, of four Apollo Reaction Control System (RCS) engines. The RCS was a vital rocket engine system for maintaining the attitude of the Apollo Service Module (SM), helped it to maneuver in space, plus undertake minor midcourse velocity corrections, abort separations and emergency attitude maneuvers. Each thruster produced 100 pounds of thrust. The propellants were monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) and nitrogen tetroxide. The quad shown here was not flown but was from Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, possibly as a backup RCS. It was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1980 from the NASA Johnson Space Flight Center.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components
Manufacturer
The Marquardt Corporation
Dimensions
Overall (each half x 8): 6 1/2in. x 3 3/8in. x 9 5/8in. (16.51 x 8.57 x 24.45cm)
Storage: 8 1/4in. x 8 1/4in. x 1ft 10in. (20.96 x 20.96 x 55.88cm)
Materials
Plastic
Aluminum
Paper
Adhesive
Ink
Inventory Number
A19800081002
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.