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This is an attitude control motor, or APS (Auxiliary Propulsion System), for the S-IVB (third stage) of the Saturn V launch vehicle which took men to the Moon in Project Apollo. APS motors provided three axis control of roll, pitch and yaw control for the S-IV during Earth orbit and injection into lunar orbit. They produced 150 pounds of thrust.

APS engines were used in all the Apollo Saturn V flights from 1967 to 1972. This particular motor has been fired in combustion tests. It was transferred to the NASM in 1974 by the McDonnell-Douglas Astronautics Co.

 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 TRW, Inc., Electromechanical Division
 Dimensions Overall: 7 in. wide x 15 in. long, 11 lb. (17.78 x 38.1cm, 5kg)
Other (Motor Chamber): 6 1/2 in. diameter (16.51cm)
 Materials Non-Magnetic White Metal (Probable Molybdenum)
Uncharacterized Coating (Probable Zirconia)
Plastic (Silica)
Fiberglass
Duct Tape
Adhesive Tape
 Inventory Number A19740786000 Credit Line Gift of McDonnell-Douglas Astronautics Company Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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