This is an early experimental "spaghetti" type liquid fuel rocket engine chamber of the Aerojet-General Corporation and dates to about 1948. The term "spaghetti" was used because the vertical cooling tubes resemble a stack of spaghetti. The "spaghetti" design is attributed to Ed Neu, Jr. of RMI about 1947 but the engine shown here was an independent devlopment by Robert Gordon of Aerojet.
The spaghetti concept was a revolutionary development in liquid propellant rocket technology. The design used regenerative cooling in which the fuel circulated around the combustion chamber before injection into the combustion chamber for combustion. The cooling tubes also formed the walls of the entire chamber, making it very light. This object was donated to the Smithsonian by Robert Gordon.
Display Status
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Date
1948
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Aerojet General Corp.
Dimensions
Other: 1 ft. 6 1/2 in. long x 6 1/2 in. diameter (47 x 16.5cm)
Materials
Stainless steel
Inventory Number
A20020085000
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Robert Gordon.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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