J-2 Engine (Building 4200)

A J-2 engine once sat in front of Building 4200, part of a display showcasing Marshall's propulsion legacy. I am uncertain as to its disposition since the demolition of Building 4200.

I have been unable to identify this J-2's serial number (I could not find an engine ID plate on it), but its unusual additional hardware leads me to believe that this is a research and development engine.

I found its color unusual; since it had the additional hardware, I assumed that it must have been some sort of special R&D engine. On a later trip to Marshall, I met someone from the restoration team, who told me that he was tired of looking at the white J-2 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, so he painted this one black and grey.

Best to not judge a book by its cover ...

For additional information about this engine in this display, see my info page on the evolution of the Building 4200 engine display and my photo set on the preparation and installation of MSFC engine displays. This engine was installed in front of Building 4200 on May 13, 2008.