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Shown here is the fuel injector head for the engine that lifted the ascent stage of the lunar excursion module (LEM) off the surface of the moon. Once aloft, the LEM docked with the orbiting command module and returned to Earth. This simple, light-weight engine produced a maximum thrust of 3,500 pounds and burned hypergolic (self-igniting) propellants.

NASA awarded the contract for the engine to the Bell Aerosystems Company in January 1963. Early on, Bell engineers struggled with combustion instability problems, prompting a redesign of the injector. The Rocketdyne Division of North American Aviation developed the replacement injector, which Bell incorporated into the engine shown here. NASA used this version in all of the Apollo lunar missions.

Transferred from NASA.

 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-Components (Engine Parts) Manufacturer Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International
 Dimensions Overall (Injector Head): 11in. x 2 1/8in. (27.94 x 5.4cm)
Overall (Cover): 11 1/2in. x 6 1/2in. (29.21 x 16.51cm)
 Materials Aluminum, Ink
 Inventory Number A19731212000 Credit Line Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum 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.