Shown here is a retro rocket used to decelerate manned spacecraft in orbit in preparation for re-entry into the earth's atmosphere during NASA's Project Mercury in the 1960s. NASA acquired the engine on contract from the Thiokol Chemical Corporation's Elkton, Maryland production plant. The rocket produced a thrust of 1,000 pounds for ten seconds.
NASA fitted three of these rockets onto the heat shield of a Mercury capsule. Each rocket fired separately on five-second delays to slow the capsule gradually for re-entry. One minute after use, the the retro rocket package jettisoned from the spacecraft to afford unencumbered re-entrry. The rockets either fired automatically through the action of an orbital timing device or manually by the astronaut on board if required.
Transfered from NASA's Johnson Space 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
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Thiokol Chemical Corporation
Dimensions
3-D: 38.1 x 35.6 x 30.5cm (15 x 14 x 12 in.)
Height, 16.75 inches; width, 14.5 inches; diameter, nozzle, approximately 5.5 inches; weight, about 18 pounds
Materials
Steel
Ablative Material
Paint
Paper
Adhesive
Plastic
Ink
Overall, steel; brown phenolic nozzle; paint, yellow green chromate, now peeling extensively
Inventory Number
A19731458000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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