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This is the J-2 liquid propellant rocket engine that powered the second and third stages of the Project Apollo Saturn V launch vehicle which sent astronauts ito the Moon. The second stage was fitted with a cluster of five J-2s and a single J-2 powered the third stage. The J-2 used liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants.

J-2 engines were successfully used on every Apollo mission from the first manned test flight, Apollo 7, in 1968 to the last Moon landing mission, Apollo 17, in 1972. The Saturn V also launched the Skylab 1 space station in 1973 and a J-2 powered the second stage of the Saturn 1B that launched the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) in 1975.

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, Rockwell International (CA)

Dimensions

Overall: 132 in. tall x 80 in. wide (335.3 x 203.2cm)
Other (Nozzel): 80 in. diameter (203.2cm)

Materials

Stainless steel and other metals; some piping aluminum.

Inventory Number

A19760766000

Credit Line

Gift of Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International Corporation

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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