Rocket, First Stage, S-1C-D-1C Dynamic Test Stage, Saturn V

This is the first, or S-1C-D-1C Dynamic Test Stage, of the Saturn V rocket. This particular stage was not meant to fly and was used strictly for ground tests at the Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, during 1966-1968. This stage and version of the Saturn V rocket were extremely important in Apollo program - they proved the validity of the vehicle's structural design. In its flyable form, the 363-foot long, 33-foot diameter Saturn V rocket took a dozen astronauts toward the Moon during 1969-1972 and is considered one of the greatest engineering achievements in history. The first stage shown here is fitted with mockup F-1 engines. The stage was transferred to the Smithsonian by NASA in 1975.