Object Details
Manufacturer
Reaction Motors, Inc.
Summary
This is a cutaway of an early experimental "spaghetti" type liquid fuel rocket engine chamber of Reaction Motors, Incorporated (RMI). The term "spaghetti" was used because the vertical cooling tubes resemble a stack of spaghetti. This engine was never fired. The "spaghetti" design is attributed to Ed Neu Jr. of RMI about 1947.
The spaghetti concept was a revolutionary development in liquid propellant rocket technology. The design incorporated regenerative cooling in which the fuel circulated around the entire combustion chamber before injection into the combustion chamber for combustion. The cooling tubes also formed the walls of the entire chamber, making it very light. This object was donated to the Smithsonian by Bob Holder.
Credit Line
Gift of Bob Holder
Date
ca. 1955
Inventory Number
A20020083000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Mainly Inconel, with iron-based welds; some tubes aluminum.
Dimensions
Overall: 6 1/4 in. wide x 1 ft. 3 in. tall (15.9 x 38.1cm)
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_A20020083000