Shown here is the S-3 engine that powered the U.S. Army's Jupiter intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM), the first missile of its type put into service by the United States. Developed and built by the Rocketdyne division of North American Aviation, the S-3 was a modified version of the engine that powered the Army's Redstone missile. The S-3 used liquid oxygen to burn the RP-1 fuel, a type of kerosene. During flight, the engine burned for 178 seconds and produced a thrust of 150,000 pounds.

NASA transferred this engine to the Museum in 1966.

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

Date

ca. 1956-1963

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Rocket Engines

Manufacturer

Rocketdyne Div., North American Rockwell

Dimensions

3-D: 361.3 × 160 × 172.7cm, 907.2kg (11 ft. 10 1/4 in. × 5 ft. 3 in. × 5 ft. 8 in., 2000lb.)

Materials

Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magneti White Metals
Plastics
Possible Asbestos
Rubber
Paint
Adhesive Tape

Inventory Number

A19680009000

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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