This is an APS (Auxiliary Propulsion System) attitude control rocket motor for the third stage (S-IV) of the Saturn V launch vehicle that took astronauts to the Moon in Project Apollo. The liquid propellant APS motors provided control in the three axes of roll, pitch and yaw control for the S-IV during Earth orbit and injection into lunar orbit. They produced 150 pounds of thrust, generated as pulses as required.
Each APS module contained three motors. This one was fired in tests. APS engines were used in all Apollo Saturn V missions from 1967 to 1972. They were also used in 1973 on the last Saturn V last boosted up Skylab into orbit, the U.S.'s first Earth-orbiting space station. This motor was donated to the Smithsonian in 1974 by McDonnelll Dougals Astronautics.
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
TRW, Inc., Electromechanical Division
Dimensions
3-D: 36.8 × 44.4 × 17.1cm (1 ft. 2 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 5 1/2 in. × 6 3/4 in.)
Materials
Phenolic Resin
Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Plastic
Lead
Adhesive Tape
Adhesive Paper
Inventory Number
A19740791000
Credit Line
Gift of McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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