This Ullage solid fuel rocket motor was used on the third stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle that took men to the Moon in Project Apollo. It was one of two such motors fired during the separation of the vehicle's second and third stages. The thrust of the Ullage produced an additional acceleration of the stage during stage separation.
This momentum helped shift the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants toward the ends of their tanks in preparation for their entry into the combustion chamber of the main J-2 engine. The Ullage motor produced a thrust of 3,420 pounds. The term "ullage" comes from an old French word, "eullage" meaning "to fill a wine cask." The motor was donated to the Smithsonian in 1976 by Thiokol.
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
Thiokol Chemical Corporation
Dimensions
3-D: 94 × 21.6cm (3 ft. 1 in. × 8 1/2 in.)
Materials
Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Paint
Plaster(?)
Inventory Number
A19760836000
Credit Line
Gift of Thiokol Chemical Corporation
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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