Saturn V

Saturn V Model

This is a 1:48 scale model of a Saturn V rocket. Developed by NASA, the Saturn V rocket in July 1968 sent astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, Jr., and Michael Collins on the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Saturn Vs were used in the remaining six Apollo missions to the moon during 1969-1972 and to launch the Skylab Orbital Workshop into earth orbit in May 1973.

Saturn V Instrument Unit

The instrument unit guided the three-stage rocket from launch, to Earth orbit, and to the transfer from Earth orbit to lunar trajectory. Once on lunar trajectory, the Apollo guidance computer in the command module took over guidance and navigation functions.

Artifact location in the Museum:

The Saturn V Model and Saturn V Instrument Unit are on the left near the stairs in the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar. More details about the both artifacts are located on their labels which are on the main floor in the Space Hangar.

Additional information

The Saturn Vs were used in Apollo missions from 1969-1972, including the Apollo 11 mission. What did a Saturn V launch in 1973?

In 1973 a Saturn V was used to launch the Skylab Orbital Workshop into earth orbit in 1973.

What did the Saturn V payloads (from the instrument unit up) contain for missions to the moon?

For missions to the moon, the payloads consisted of the lunar module, the service module, and the command module.

During Apollo 11 Neil Armstrong and Edward Aldrin, Jr., landed on the surface of the moon. Where was Michael Collins while Armstrong and Aldrin were on the lunar surface?

Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit in the command module while Armstrong and Aldrin were on the surface of the moon.

Saturn V Payload

For missions to the moon, the payload (from the instrument unit up) consisted of the lunar module, encased within a protective conical covering, the service module and the command module.

Saturn V Launch Escape System

At the top of Saturn V was the launch escape system, used only in an emergency and jettisoned once the rocket had ascended safely off the launch pad.

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