J-2 Engine (Outdoors)

For a time, the Rocket Center's J-2 rocket engine was displayed outdoors.

Along with the F-1 and V-2 engines, the J-2 was displayed indoors when the museum opened (e.g., see a picture of the engine in Space Hall, the "old" museum's main exhibit area, on page 14 of my early Alabama Space & Rocket Center Souvenir Booklet). It was later moved outdoors, between the F-1 and Lunar Module Descent Propulsion System engines (see my USSRC Rocket Park aerial photos page).

By 2004, the J-2 had undergone a minor refurbishment and had been moved to a protected area next to the building. By the time of my 2005 visit, the J-2 was on display in the "old" museum. After the Davidson Center opened, the J-2 engine found a new home there.