Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International Search this
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)
Type:
PROPULSION-Components (Engine Parts)
Country of Origin:
United States of America
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
