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This is the Thrust Chamber Assembly that fits on top of the nozzle of the Apollo Service Module Propulsion System (SPS). The large nozzle is not shown. The SPS engine was mounted at the base of the Apollo Service Module. Apollo astronauts used the SPS to steer their spacecraft toward the Moon, place it into lunar orbit, and propel it back toward Earth.

Using storable propellants, the SPS had a thrust of 21,900 pounds and could operate for from 0.4 seconds to 12.5 minutes, as required. The SPS engine served successfully on all Apollo missions. This SPS Engine Thrust Chamber is an engine development model which was used for engineering tests. It was donated to the Smithsonian in 1986 by the NASA Johnson Space Flight Center.

 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 Aerojet General Corp.
 Dimensions Overall: 3ft 6in. x 5ft 4in. (106.68 x 162.56cm)
 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.
 Inventory Number A19780061000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA/Johnson Space Center Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.