Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is a cutaway of the turbopump for the first stage rocket engine of the Vanguard launch vehicle. The Vanguard was the first American rocket specifically designed to launch a satellite. The first stage General Electric engine, designated X-405, produced 27,000 pounds of thrust for 142 seconds. The propellants in the X-405 were furnished to the double shell type thrust chamber by this geared turbopump powered by the decomposition products 90% hydrogen peroxide.

The rocket malfunctioned during its first launch attempt but on March 17, 1958, it successfully placed Vanguard 1 into orbit, the second U.S. satellite (a modified U.S. Army Jupiter-C had launched Explorer 1 on January 31, 1958). There were other Vanguard failures but the Vanguard vehicle successfully placed Vanguard II into orbit on February 17, 1959.

The Wright-Malta Corporation donated this turbopump to the Smithsonian Institution in 1976.

 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 General Electric Company
 Dimensions Overall: 1ft 10in. x 1ft 3in. x 1ft 7in. (55.88 x 38.1 x 48.26cm); weight, 75 lbs
 Materials Stainless steel and aluminum
 Inventory Number A19760051000 Credit Line Gift of Malta Test Station, Balston Spa, NY Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.