Surveyor Spacecraft Vernier Rocket Engine (1966), Thiokol Photo + Press Release

Description

Surveyor Spacecraft Vernier Rocket Engine (1966), Thiokol Photo + Press Release
(SU-001-1)
This original photo shows the Surveyor spacecraft vernier rocket engine.  The photo was distributed by Thiokol Chemical Corporation, subcontractor to Hughes Aircraft, prime contractor to NASA for the Surveyor.
The Surveyor had 3 vernier throttling rocket engines located on the underside of the spacecraft.  Two were in fixed positions, while the third could be gimballed for roll control.  The engines were used for mid-course corrections while the Surveyor was in transit to the moon.  Additionally, they provided stability when the main retro rocket fired for 40 seconds during the deceleration phase.  Following burnout of the retro engine, the verniers continued to fire slowing the Surveyor descent until 13 feet above the lunar surface at which time they shut down and the spacecraft free fell to the surface.  Control of the verniers during the descent phase was through the spacecraft computer.  The vernier engines had a gold surface (except for the nozzle extension) to protect the components from the extreme temperature conditions in space.
The photo is printed on glossy paper stock and includes the caption from the Thiokol Public Relations department to be used by editors when publishing the photo.  It is labeled "Photo 8705-181".  First page features the Thiokol "25 years of progress in rocketry" logo.
Also included is a Press Release providing a detailed discussion of the vernier engine including use during the mission, technical design and testing.
Photo measures 8 x 10 inches
Press Release measures 8.5 x 11 inches (4 pages)
Discount
We offer a 10% discount on purchases of 2 or more items. The discount will be applied at checkout.
When purchasing multiple items please ADD TO CART before checkout to receive the volume discount.
Shipping
We take great care to insure that the items you purchased arrive in perfect condition.  Each item is placed in an archival plastic sleeve with backing board, and includes a certificate with additional information.
Domestic shipping is either USPS First Class Mail or Priority Mail (depending on weight) or USPS Media Mail (for books).
Returns
We want you to be satisfied with your purchase.  However, we have a 14-day return policy from the date the item is received.  Buyer assumes responsibility for the return shipping charge and packaging.
About
Space Flight Collectibles
The memorabilia we offer in our store was collected while I was a teenager and wrapped up in the enthusiasm of those early years of the space program.  Much of what we offer was collected as part of the research I was doing for projects in local science fairs. The memorabilia in our store are all original and include NASA and contractor brochures, photos, technical reports, press kits and commemorative collectibles.
We will be adding new memorabilia on a regular basis.  Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on new arrivals.
Whether you have an interest in the space program from a historical or technical perspective, or just looking to give someone a unique gift, we're sure you will find the memorabilia in our store of interest.
Our store is dedicated to the memory of my parents John  and Lorette who never stopped supporting
me in my interest in the space program.
In July 1969, my Father and I were fortunate to
receive a tour of the Kennedy Space Center
3 weeks before the launch of Apollo 11.
In this photo I am joined by our NASA host to
view the Saturn V/Apollo on Launch Pad 39A
surrounded by the Mobile Service Structure.
In July 1970, I had the opportunity to meet with
Wernher von Braun in his office at NASA Headquarters
in Washington, DC. Dr. von Braun was kind enough
to take the time to critique the design I had presented
at a local science fair on a space station re-using
Gemini and Apollo hardware.