This is the liquid propellant Jupiter rocket engine that powered the U.S.'s first intermediate ballistic missile (IRBM), the Jupiter, of 1,600 miles range. It was a modification of the Redstone rocket engine and used liquid oxygen and RP-1 (a type of kerosene). The engine produced 150,000 lbs of thrust. The Jupiter missile became operational in 1960 and retired from the military service in 1963. This engine was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1970 from the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
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 Division, Rockwell International
Dimensions
Overall: 68 in. diameter x 120 in. long, approximate weight 4400 lb. (172.72 cm. diameter x 304.8 cm, long approximate weight 1995.8 kg)
Materials
Primarily stainless steel; some aluminum piping
Inventory Number
A19700263000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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