Saturn V Painting Cutaway Diagrams

This article reveals the inside of the Apollo Saturn V rocket and its significant components.

Space fans fondly remember the Saturn V rocket, which carried nine Apollo astronauts to the Moon, including a dozen spacemen who landed on the Moon’s surface between July 1969 and December 1972.

Retired after just 13 flights when it launched NASA’s Skylab space station into Earth orbit on May 14, 1973.

It is often claimed that the Saturn V had a flawless flight record. While all Saturn V launches were ultimately successful in their primary missions, there were some in-flight anomalies and close calls during the program.

It was a supreme achievement for what was the most significant launch vehicle of its day.

Cutaway design showing the major components of the Saturn V. Credit: NASA/MSFC.

Saturn V First Stage S-IC

The purpose of the S-IC was to lift the massive Saturn V rocket off the ground and ignite it during a 150-second burn, which would elevate the ascending Saturn V to an altitude of about 62 kilometers and a speed of 2.7 kilometers per second.

This Cutaway diagram showing the main parts of the S-IC stage. Credit: NASA/MSFC. — This cutaway diagram shows the main parts of the S-IC stage. Credit: NASA/MSFC.

The second stage of the Saturn V rocket S-II

The goal of the second stage, the S-II, was to provide most of the power to drive the Saturn V rocket and its payload towards Earth orbit during an Apollo Moon mission. Burnout happened at a typical altitude of 185 kilometers and a velocity of 6.8 kilometers per second.

Cutaway picture showing the major components of the S-II stage. Credit: NASA/MSFC.

What Was The Purpose of Saturn V third stage S-IV B?

Saturn V’s third stage, S-IV B, was designed to burn briefly during ascent with a thrust of 890 kilonewtons on its initial flights to place itself and its payload into a temporary Earth parking orbit.

And later reignite to push on toward the Moon.

The S-IVB stage also included a pair of auxiliary propulsion system (APS) modules, each with a trio of hypergolic-fueled 670-newton engines. These provided roll control during the J-2’s burn and attitude control along all three axes while coasting in orbit.

Cutaway design showing the major parts of the S-IV B stage. Credit: NASA/MSFC. — Cutaway design showing the major parts of Saturn V’s S-IV B stage. Credit: NASA/MSFC.

What is The Saturn V – Instrument Unit (IU)?

The Saturn V rocket was topped off by the (IU) or the Instrument Unit, with IBM as the prime contractor.

IU contained the guidance and command systems that managed all three stages of the launch vehicle during all aspects of flight.

The Instrument Unit was intended to guide the Saturn V during its flight.

It would automatically adapt to problems encountered during ascent to ensure that its payload was placed into the precise orbit.

Cutaway diagram revealing the major components of the Saturn V Instrument Unit (IU). Credit: NASA/MSFC.

Apollo Spacecraft

The Apollo spacecraft would include all of the equipment required to support a flight to the Moon and back to Earth.

The Apollo Command Module (CM) carried the three astronauts during their mission and the recovery systems needed to return them safely to Earth.

It appeared conical, with a diameter of 3.9 meters and a height of 3.2 meters.

The Service Module SM – included all the systems and consumables required to support the astronauts and their mission.

It was a cylinder with the same diameter as the Command Module.

Cutaway picture showing the major components of the Apollo spacecraft. Credit: NASA/MSFC.

What is The Apollo Launch Escape System? (LES)

The Apollo spacecraft was topped off by the launch escape system (LES) during the first stages of the ascent.

It was developed by the Lockheed Propulsion Company (whose corporate parent is now part of Lockheed Martin).

Picture showing Apollo Lunar Module, service and Command Module, boost protective cover, and finally the Launch Escape System or LES. Credit NASA. — This picture shows the Apollo Lunar Module, service and Command Modules, boost protective cover, and finally, the Launch Escape System (LES). Credit NASA.

Further Reading and References

For those interested in delving deeper into the technical specifications, historical context, and engineering marvels of the Saturn V rocket and Apollo program, we recommend the following resources:

NASA’s Official Saturn V Page: Comprehensive information from the space agency that developed and operated the Saturn V.
Lawrie, Alan. “Saturn V: America’s Apollo Moon Rocket” (2005): A detailed exploration of the rocket’s development and operation.
Bilstein, Roger E. “Stages to Saturn: A Technological History of the Apollo/Saturn Launch Vehicles” (1996): NASA’s official Saturn rocket family technological history.
Murray, Charles and Cox, Catherine Bly. “Apollo: The Race to the Moon” (1989): A thorough account of the Apollo program, including the crucial role of the Saturn V.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS): A vast database containing original technical documents about the Saturn V and related technologies.
Braeunig, Robert A. “Rocket and Space Technology”: An online resource offering detailed technical information about various rockets, including in-depth analysis of the Saturn V.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Saturn V Collection: Extensive resources and artifacts related to the Saturn V and the Apollo program.
“Saturn V Flight Manual” (NASA document): A primary source providing technical specifications and operational details of the Saturn V.
Fisher, Steven P. and Rahman, Shamim A. (eds). “Remembering the Giants: Apollo Rocket Propulsion Development” (2009): A NASA monograph offering insights into the development of the F-1 and J-2 engines used in the Saturn V.

These resources provide a wealth of information for enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone fascinated by the engineering and historical significance of the Saturn V rocket. From detailed technical specifications to engaging historical narratives, these references offer a comprehensive understanding of one of humanity’s greatest technological achievements.