Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is the S-3D liquid fuel rocket engine that powered the Jupiter, the US.'s first U.S. intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) of 1,600 miles. The S-3 was a modification of the Redstone engine. It produced 150,000 lbs of thrust and used liquid oxygen and JP-4, a type of kerosene.

Rocketdyne developed the engine from 1956. The Jupiter became operational in 1960. It was used until 1963 and a modified version with additional upper stages, called the Juno II, was developed to launch spacecraft. Junos successfully launched the Explorer 7, 8, and 11 satellites. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1991 by the U.S. Army Center of Military History.

Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Date 1958 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International
Dimensions Overall: 5 ft. 10 in. tall x 3 ft. 10 in. diameter x 11 ft. 10 in. long (177.8 x 116.84 x 360.68cm)
Materials Mainly stainless steel
Alternate Name Jupiter S-3 Rocket Engine Inventory Number A19910024000 Credit Line Transferred from U.S. Army Center of Military History Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.