Shown here is a cutaway model of the liquid hydrogen fuel pump for the space shuttle main engine (SSME). During tests in the 1970s, it ran to a pressure of 5,500 pounds per square inch.
Unlike all prior, single-use liquid-propellant rocket engines, the SSME featured reusable interchangeable parts. Pressures in the fuel and other pumps on the SSME pushed the technological state-of-the-art to maximize efficiency during launch and assent.
Donated by NASA-Marshall Spaceflight Center in 1977.
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-Components (Engine Parts)
Manufacturer
Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International
Dimensions
3-D (Pump): 66 × 63.5 × 63.5cm (26 × 25 × 25 in.)
Storage (Aluminum pallet and frame with fabric dust cover): 121.9 × 121.9 × 99.1cm, 320.2kg (48 × 48 × 39 in., 706lb.)
Materials
Pump:
Non-Magnetic White Metal Alloy
Aluminum
Steel
Anodized Aluminum
Plastic
Paint
Silver Plating
Stand: Wood, Plastic, Steel, Paint, Rubber
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel, Acrylic (Plexiglas), Plastic, Paint, Magnesium
Inventory Number
A19780016000
Credit Line
NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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