National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Past Exhibition
The F-1 engine, with 1.5 million pounds of thrust, was the powerplant for the first stage of the 363-foot long Saturn V launch vehicle that took astronauts to the Moon for six successful landing missions between 1969 and 1972 in the Project Apollo program. The first stage of the Saturn V had five F-1s for a total lift-off thrust of 7.5 million pounds. The fully-fueled Saturn V weighed 6.5 million pounds.
The F-1 used RP-1, a type of kerosene, and liquid oxygen as the propellants. The F-1's 2,500-pound turbopump pumped in the propellants at 42,500 gallons per minute. This engine was constructed in 1963 by the Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International and underwent four start tests, totaling 192.6 seconds.
The engine was donated to the Smithsonian in 1970 by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Video
Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s)
World's most powerful single-chamber rocket engine
Brief Description
The F-1 engine was the powerplant for the first stage of the 111-meter (363-foot) tall Saturn V launch vehicle. Saturn V launched Apollo astronauts to the Moon and the Skylab space station. Saturn V's first stage had five F-1's that created more power than 85 Hoover Dams.
Date
1963
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International
Dimensions
Overall: 18 ft. 4 15/16 in. long x 12 ft. 5/16 in. diameter, 18340 lb. (561.24 x 366.52cm, 8319kg)
Materials
Cooling tubes (178 tubes), Inconel X; injector, stainless steel and copper; propellant lines, aluminum; valves, aluminum and stainless steel
Alternate Name
F-1 Rocket Engine
Inventory Number
A19700271000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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