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

This is the J-2 rocket engine that powered the second (S-II) and third stages (S-IV-B) of the Saturn V launch vehicle that took astronauts to the Moon in the Apollo program. The J-2 used liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen and produced a thrust of 200,000-230,000 pounds. The Saturn V's second stage used five J-2's and the third stage had a single J-2. The Saturn V flights were carried out from 1968-1973. The engine shown here was used in the S-II Stage Battleship program and was fired in 63 tests for a total firing duration of 1,089 seconds. In the Battleship progam, the stage was never intended for flight but was desdigned to withstand the stress of repeated firings to more fully develop the cluster of five J-2s for flight. Transferred to the Smithsonian from the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center in 1977.

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 80 3/8 in. diameter (335.28 x 204.22cm)
Materials Stainless steel and other metals.
Inventory Number A19770382000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.