Ascent propulsion system

The ascent propulsion system (APS) or lunar module ascent engine (LMAE) is a fixed-thrust hypergolic rocket engine developed by Bell Aerosystems for use in the Apollo Lunar Module ascent stage. It used Aerozine 50 fuel, and N
2
O
4
oxidizer. Rocketdyne provided the injector system, at the request of NASA, when Bell could not solve combustion instability problems.

Ascent propulsion system (APS)
Apollo LM ascent engine
Country of originUnited States
Date1964–72
ManufacturerBell Aircraft / Rocketdyne
ApplicationLunar Ascent Stage/Spacecraft propulsion
PredecessorBell 8247
SuccessorRS-18
StatusRetired
Liquid-fuel engine
PropellantN
2
O
4
/ Aerozine 50
Mixture ratio1.6
CyclePressure-fed
PumpsNone
Configuration
Chamber1
Nozzle ratio46
Performance
Thrust, vacuum3,500 pounds-force (16 kN)
Thrust-to-weight ratio16.7
Chamber pressure120 psia
Specific impulse, vacuum311 seconds (3.05 km/s)
Burn time465 seconds
RestartsDesigned for 2 restarts
Dimensions
Length51 inches (130 cm)
Diameter31 inches (79 cm)
Dry weight210 pounds (95 kg)
Used in
Lunar module as ascent engine
References
References
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