The J-2 rocket engine, using liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel, was the power plant for the second and third stages of the Saturn V launch vehicle which took astronauts to the Moon in the Apollo program. The engine shown here produced 230,000 pounds of thrust and was used in three tests for a total firing duration of 655 seconds.
The Saturn V's second (S-II) stage used a cluster of five J-2s, while the third (S-IVB) stage was fitted with a single J-2 with restart capability since it was to restart the Apollo spacecraft for a translunar trajectory, as well as accelerate the craft to the necessary lunar orbit escape velocity. The first manned flight with the J-2 engine was made on October 11, 1968 in the Saturn 1B Apollo 7 test mission.
The Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International gave this J-2 engine to the Smithsonian Institution in 1976.
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. long x 81 in. diameter (335.28 x 205.74cm)
Materials
Stainless steel and other metals.
Inventory Number
A19760773000
Credit Line
Gift of the Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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