Shown here is one of three combustion chambers of a liquid-fuel attitude control rocket engine assembly used on the Titan 3E launch vehicle. It controlled the vehicle's roll and yaw. Developed by the Rocketdyne Division of North American Aviation, the SE-9 (as it was also known), collectively produced 135 pounds of thrust (45 pounds each) and used storable, hypergolic (self-igniting) propellants. This feature maintained simplicity of operation and improved reliability.
The Titan 3E originated out of the Air Force's Titan family of intercontinental ballistic missiles, which first entered service in the early 1960s. In modified form, it included two added solid-propellant boosters and a Centaur upper stage. Initially, the Titan 3E launched deep space probes or satellites. The first successful launch took place on December 10, 1974. Less than a year later, a Titian 3E launched two Viking spacecraft to Mars.
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force.
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
Rocketdyne, Division of North American Aviation Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 47 x 23.5 x 14cm (18 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.)
Overall: 8.2kg (18lb.)
Materials
Anodized Aluminum
Fiberglass
Steel
Stainless Steel
Rubber
Paint
Plastic
Ink
Adhesive
Silver Plating
Nozzle, tan phenolic; fittings stainless steel; black rubber nozzle protective cover over nozzle; steel clamps around cover; most of the propellant lines, brass colored, and probably of brass; mount in middlle, probably of coated aluminum; two electrical wires with black plastic insulation, projecting from bulbous clear plastic leads from inlets; two plastic protective caps ["caplugs"], one red, the other yellow, over two electrical plug faces on the mount.
Inventory Number
A19700337000
Credit Line
Transferred from the United States Air Force
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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