Object Details
Manufacturer
Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International (CA)
Summary
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.
Alternate Name
Jupiter S-3 Rocket Engine
Credit Line
Transferred from U.S. Army Center of Military History
Date
1958
Inventory Number
A19910024000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Mainly stainless steel
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)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Exhibit Station
Rockets & Missiles
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19910024000