Object Details
Manufacturer
Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International (CA)
Summary
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.
Credit Line
Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19731212000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Components (Engine Parts)
Materials
Aluminum, Ink
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)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19731212000