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

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
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.