This is the first, or S-1C-D-1C Dynamic Test Stage, of the Saturn V rocket. This particular stage was not meant to fly and was used strictly for ground tests at the Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, during 1966-1968. This stage and version of the Saturn V rocket were extremely important in Apollo program - they proved the validity of the vehicle's structural design. In its flyable form, the 363-foot long, 33-foot diameter Saturn V rocket took a dozen astronauts toward the Moon during 1969-1972 and is considered one of the greatest engineering achievements in history. The first stage shown here is fitted with mockup F-1 engines. The stage was transferred to the Smithsonian by NASA in 1975.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.