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This is a Project Mercury retrograde rocket package built by the Thiokol Chemical Corporation, which provided reverse propulsion to slow down the one-man Project Mercury space capsule prior to reentry through the earth's atmosphere.
Like the spacecraft's escape, tower jettison, and posigrade rockets, the retrograde rockets used solid propellants because of their simplicity and reliability. Each rocket, which produced about 1,000 pounds of thrust for ten seconds, fired independently of the others in five second intervals to decrease the capsule's velocity. To ensure safe reentry, only two of the three motors had to function.
The circular retro package sat underneath the heat shield and jettisoned a minute after engine burnout to afford unencumbered capsule reentry. The retro rockets could be fired automatically by an orbital timing device or manually by the astronaut, if required.
NASA transferred this rocket package to the Museum with the Mercury #19 capsule in 1968.
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
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Propulsion
Manufacturer
Thiokol Chemical Corporation Dimensions
3-D: 48.3 x 94cm (19 x 37 in.) Materials
Mainly steel Inventory Number
A19680571002
Credit Line
NASA
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.