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This is an attitude control motor, or APS (Auxiliary Propulsion System), for the third stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle that took men to the Moon in Project Apollo. APS motors provided control in the three axes of roll, pitch and yaw control during Earth orbit and injection into lunar orbit. They produced 150 pounds of thrust generated as pulses, as required.

The propellant was hypergolic (self-igniting) nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer and monomethyl hydrazine as the fuel. This motor has been fired in tests. APS motors were used in all the Apollo Saturn V flights from 1967 to 1972 and for orbiting Skylab in 1973. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1974 by McDonnell Douglas Astronautics.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer TRW, Inc., Electromechanical Division
 Dimensions Overall: 1 ft. 7 in. long x 1 ft. 2 1/2 in. diameter (48.26 x 36.83cm)
 Materials Nozzle and chamber, phenolic impregnated silica with fiberglass overwrap; nozzle, sprayed zirconia coating; propellant inlets and valves, metal
 Inventory Number A19740781000 Credit Line Gift of McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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