Rocket Engine, Liquid Fuel, Auxiliary Propulsion System (APS), Thruster, Saturn
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This is an attitude control motor, or APS (Auxiliary Propulsion System), for the third stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle that took men to the Moon in Project Apollo. APS motors provided control in the three axes of roll, pitch and yaw control during Earth orbit and injection into lunar orbit. They produced 150 pounds of thrust generated as pulses, as required.
The propellant was hypergolic (self-igniting) nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer and monomethyl hydrazine as the fuel. This motor has been fired in tests. APS motors were used in all the Apollo Saturn V flights from 1967 to 1972 and for orbiting Skylab in 1973. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1974 by McDonnell Douglas Astronautics.
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
TRW, Inc., Electromechanical Division Dimensions
Overall: 1 ft. 7 in. long x 1 ft. 2 1/2 in. diameter (48.26 x 36.83cm) Materials
Nozzle and chamber, phenolic impregnated silica with fiberglass overwrap; nozzle, sprayed zirconia coating; propellant inlets and valves, metal Inventory Number
A19740781000
Credit Line
Gift of McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.