Shown here is one of a pair of 93-pound thrust reaction control engines (RCS) flown on the first Apollo Saturn IB test flight on February 26. 1966. The RCS controlled the yaw of the Apollo Command Module unmanned test spacecraft, which NASA successfully recovered from Earth orbit.
Built by the Rocketdyne Division of North American Rockwell, the engines (designated SE-8-9) burned storable and hypergolic (self-igniting) propellants of monomethylene as the fuel and nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer. The Apollo RCS system consisted of two independent subsystems of six pairs of engines (12 in all) that operated in tandem. It operated successfully on all subsequent unmanned and manned Apollo missions.
Donated by the Space Division of North American Rockwell.
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
4 7/8" Diameter x 35 1/4"
Materials
Aluminum
Phenolic Resin Composite (Possibly Linen)
Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic Fabric
Paper
Adhesive
Inventory Number
A19731131000
Credit Line
Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from the Space Division of North American Rockwell
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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