This is a cutaway of the combustion chamber of the Apollo Service Module Propulsion System (SPS), a liquid-fuel rocket engine used on Apollo spacecraft. It is not shown with its larger adjoining nozzle. Apollo astronauts used the SPS to steer the spacecraft toward the Moon, place it into lunar orbit, and propel it back toward Earth.
Using storable propellants, the SPS produced a thrust of 21,900 pounds for a minimum of 0.4 seconds or up to 12.5 minutes, as required. The SPS engine served successfully on all Apollo missions, including the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1986 by the NASA Johnson Space Flight Center.
Display Status
This object is on display in Human Spaceflight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Aerojet General Corp.
Dimensions
Overall: 5 ft. 3 in. tall x 4 ft. 5 in. wide, 3850 lb. (160.02 x 134.62cm, 1746.3kg)
Materials
Combustion chamber, rubberized, phenolic refrasil inner liner, an ablative or heat-resistant material. Aluminum flange bonded to inner liner. Propellant lines, 304L stainless steel. Valves, cast aluminum. Injector, Type 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. Other parts, stainless steel; fixture brackets, steel.
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Paint, Plastic, Paper, Adhesive, Ink, Synthetic Fabric
Alternate Name
Apollo Service Module Propulsion System
Inventory Number
A19860252000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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