Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The Rutherford engine was designed and built by Rocket Lab for its Electron launch vehicle, which primarily launches small satellites. This engine is the vacuum-optimized engine that is used in the rocket's second stage. The Rutherford engine uses RP-1 (a type of refined, rocket-grade kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the propellants. It produces 5,800 pounds-force (lbf) of thrust with a specific impulse of 343 seconds.

The major components for the Rutherford engine are produced via additive manufacturing (3D printing). The components created through 3D printing include the regeneratively cooled thrust chamber, injector, two pumps, and main propellant valves. The process takes around 24 hours to complete, which has the potential to help support a high launch cadence.

In the turbopumps, Rutherford engines use an electric propulsion cycle consisting of two brushless direct current (DC) electric motors and high performance lithium polymer batteries. This system improves pumping efficiency over traditional rocket engines and is also more fuel efficient.

This engine was donated by Rocket Lab in 2022.

 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 PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Rocket Lab
 Dimensions 3-D (Engine Overall): 60 × 138.4cm, 29.5kg (1 ft. 11 5/8 in. × 4 ft. 6 1/2 in., 65lb.)
 Materials Mixed metals
Plastic
Paint
 Inventory Number A20220292000 Credit Line Gift of Rocket Lab Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.