Object Details
Manufacturer
Marquardt Aircraft Company, Los Angeles, California
Summary
Shown here is a mock-up of a reaction control system (RCS) engine developed for use on the Apollo Service Module. RCS thrusters like this one were mounted externally in groups of four--called "quads"--with each engine nozzle facing outward. Collectively, the RCS thrusters helped the service module maneuver in space. Each engine burned hypergolic (storable) propellants (monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide) and produced 100 pounds of thrust and could be fired continuously or in short spurts (milliseconds in duration).
North American Aviation, the Apollo service module's primary contractor, selected the Marquardt Corporation to develop the RCS system in March 1962. Prototype testing began in July 1963, and the RCS engines Marquardt produced performed flawlessly throughout the Apollo program and during subsequent Saturn V missions.
Transferred from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
Credit Line
Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
Inventory Number
A19731643000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Anodized aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, electrical wires, synthetic fabric, adhesive tape, paint, adhesive decal
Dimensions
33.02 x 14.61 x 13.97cm (1ft 1in. x 5 3/4in. x 5 1/2in.) (Approximate)
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_A19731643000