Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

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
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.