Developed in the 1950s, the S-3 D Jupiter engine powered the U.S.'s first intermediate range (1600 miles) ballistic missile (IRBM). A modification of the Redstone engine, the Jupiter engine, which operated on liquid oxygen and RP-1 (a type of kerosene), produced 150,000 lbs of thrust for 178 seconds. The Jupiter missile itself was 58 feet (17.7 m) long, 8.75 feet (2.7 m) in diameter, and weighed 110,000 lbs (49,900 kg).

NASA transferred this engine to the Museum in 1969.

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

1958

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Rocket Engines

Manufacturer

Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International

Dimensions

3-D (Approximate): 398.8 × 190.5 × 205.7cm (13 ft. 1 in. × 6 ft. 3 in. × 6 ft. 9 in.)

Materials

HAZ MAT: Asbestos
HAZ MAT: Thoriated Magnesium
Ferrous Alloy
Aluminum Alloy
Rubber
Copper Alloy
Electrical Wiring

Inventory Number

A19700262000

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.