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
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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