What are Saturn V dimensions?

The Saturn V was a type of rocket that was used by NASA to launch astronauts to the moon during the Apollo missions.

The dimensions of the Saturn V rocket are as follows: it was 111 meters (363 feet) tall, about the height of a 36-story-tall building, and 33 feet (10.1 meters) in diameter.

It weighed 2.8 million kilograms (6.2 million pounds) when it was fully fueled for liftoff.

The Saturn V rocket was divided into three parts: the first stage (S-IC), the second stage (S-II), and the third stage (S-IVB).

The S-IC stage was 138 feet (42 meters) tall and 33 feet (10 meters) in diameter, and it provided 7,750,000 pounds (34,500 kilonewtons) of thrust at sea level.

The S-II stage was 81.6 feet (24.9 meters) tall and 33 feet (10 meters) in diameter, and it provided 1,041,000 pounds (4,630 kilonewtons) of thrust.

The S-IVB stage was 58.7 feet (17.9 meters) tall and 21.7 feet (6.6 meters) in diameter, and it provided 232,250 pounds (1,033 kilonewtons) of thrust.

The Saturn V rocket was one of the largest and most powerful rockets ever built. It was capable of carrying a payload of up to 140,000 pounds (63,500 kilograms) into low Earth orbit and up to 48,600 pounds (22,050 kilograms) to the moon.

Saturn V Rocket
Specification Value
Purpose Apollo moon missions and Skylab space station launch
Height 111 meters (363 feet)
Weight (fully fueled) 2.8 million kilograms (6.2 million pounds)
Primary Material Aluminum
Number of Stages 3
Number of Motors 41
Companies Involved Boeing (S-IC), North American Aviation (S-II), Douglas Aircraft (S-IVB)

The Saturn V Rocket: NASA’s Moon Mission Marvel

In 1967, the S-II stage of the Saturn V rocket was lifted onto the A-2 test stand at the Mississippi Test Facility, now known as Stennis Space Center. As the second stage of the 364-foot-tall moon rocket, it was equipped with five J-2 engines. Image credit: NASA
In 1967, the S-II stage of the Saturn V rocket was lifted onto the A-2 test stand at the Mississippi Test Facility, now known as Stennis Space Center. As the second stage of the 364-foot-tall moon rocket, it was equipped with five J-2 engines.
Image credit: NASA

The Saturn V rocket, developed by NASA in the 1960s and 1970s, played a crucial role in sending astronauts to the moon as part of the historic Apollo program.

This powerful heavy-lift vehicle was also utilized to launch the Skylab space station.

Saturn V: Dimensions and Specifications

  • Height: 111 meters (363 feet), equivalent to a 36-story-tall building
  • 18 meters (60 feet) taller than the Statue of Liberty
  • Weight (fully fueled for liftoff): 2.8 million kilograms (6.2 million pounds)
  • Diameter (excluding fins): 33 feet (10 meters)

Materials and Construction

The Saturn V rocket was primarily made of aluminum, with additional components constructed from materials such as:

  • Titanium
  • Polyurethane
  • Cork
  • Asbestos

Stages and Motors

The Saturn V employed a total of 41 separate motors to carry the Apollo Command Service Module/Lunar Module (CSM/LM) combination into Earth orbit and lunar trajectory. The rocket consisted of three main stages:

1. S-IC First Stage

  • Built by Boeing
  • Dimensions: 138 feet tall by 33 feet wide with a 63-foot finspan

2. S-II Second Stage

  • Built by North American Aviation
  • Dimensions: 81 feet tall by 33 feet wide with a 33-foot finspan

3. S-IVB Third Stage

  • Manufactured by Douglas Aircraft
  • Dimensions: 58 feet, 8 inches tall by 21 feet, 8 inches wide with a 21-foot, 8-inch finspan
  • This stage was also used as a second stage on the Saturn IB rocket

If you’re interested in learning more about the Saturn V rocket’s powerful F-1 engines that propelled the Apollo missions, be sure to check out our article on The F-1 Engine: A Triumph of Innovation in Space.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Saturn V Rocket

The 363-foot Saturn V rocket for Apollo 10 journeyed from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B, marking its first use. Astronauts Stafford, Cernan, and Young conducted a lunar mission rehearsal. Image credit: NASA March 11, 1969

The 363-foot Saturn V rocket for Apollo 10 journeyed from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B, marking its first use. Astronauts Stafford, Cernan, and Young conducted a lunar mission rehearsal.
Image credit: NASA March 11, 1969

FAQ

  1. What was the purpose of the Saturn V rocket? NASA developed it to send astronauts to the moon as part of the Apollo program. It was also used to launch the Skylab space station.
  2. How tall and heavy was the Saturn V rocket? When fully fueled for liftoff, it stood 111 meters (363 feet) tall and weighed 2.8 million kilograms (6.2 million pounds).
  3. What materials were used in the construction of the Saturn V rocket? The Saturn V rocket was primarily made of aluminum, with additional components constructed from materials such as titanium, polyurethane, cork, and asbestos.
  4. How many stages and motors did the Saturn V rocket have? The Saturn V rocket consisted of three main stages and employed a total of 41 separate motors to carry the Apollo Command Service Module/Lunar Module (CSM/LM) combination into Earth orbit and lunar trajectory.
  5. Which companies built the different stages of the Saturn V rocket? Boeing built the S-IC first stage, North American Aviation built the S-II second stage, and Douglas Aircraft manufactured the S-IVB third stage.
42 Inventions From Apollo Program

Curious about the reasons behind NASA’s decision to stop using the Saturn V rocket? Discover the story behind this iconic rocket’s retirement in our article: Why Did NASA Stop Using the Saturn V Rocket?

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