SPS Engine

While I was photographing Apollo 7, a museum staff member (I forgot your name! Sorry!) approached, telling me that he doubted anyone had taken as many pictures of the spacecraft since NASA. He told me to follow him, because he could show me something he was sure I'd like.

He took me to a modestly-sized restoration lab, where they had an Apollo Service Propulsion System engine. He also took me to a loading dock area where they had its nozzle extension (a museum volunteer had previously taken me to see the nozzle extension). Getting to photograph the SPS engine was an unexpected treat!

There was a sign in the lab accompanying the SPS engine:

Project

Apollo-Saturn Service Propulsion System (SPS) Engine

Scope of Work

Dusting with camel hair brushes (no solvents or chemicals) to remove surface dust from 30+ years of storage. Inspection of installed hoist points (red colored tabs with thru-holes) for hanging the artifact. Removal of plastic covers on fuel lines and replacement with clear plastic material.

Projected Display Area

X-Planes and Space Flight Gallery

Projected Completion Date

August 2007

Exhibit Preparation Shop funded by Dallas Automotive and BBA Aviation Services

While they were a bit over-due on their completion date (I photographed it in August 2008), they did have restoration completed and the SPS engine on display in time for their Apollo 7 40th anniversary panel and luncheon in October 2008.

As of now, I have not yet sorted through all of my pictures of the Service Propulsion System engine, but some other page references this location. Thus, this is a "place holder" version right now, with only the pictures actually referenced. Come back some time later to see if I've finished up, or drop me an email to request me to prioritize the rest of these pictures.