This is a strip of WSR-2 rocket motors, claimed as the world's smallest rocket motors. The motor, developed from 1962 by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation in conjunction with the Air Force, was designed to make extremely fine steering adjustments on satellites like Tiros. Primarily, the WSR-2 was to help the satellite maintain its spinning rate.
When used on Tiros, 100 caps could be fired in each burst and each unit could produce a burst of one pound of thrust for less than two-hundreths of a second. A special cap pistol device was used to fire the motors by electrical impulses.
This object was found in the collections of the Smithsonian.
Display Status
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Wright Aeronautical Div., Curtiss-Wright Corp., Wood-Ridge, NJ
Dimensions
Other: 1 1/4 in. long x 1/8 in. wide (3.2 x 0.3cm)
Materials
Each motor, glass fiber phenolic; nozzles, quartz-phenolic.
Inventory Number
A19870192000
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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