Jupiter-C - General Characteristics

General Characteristics

• Weight as configured for Explorer 1 launch, loaded/empty
  • Overall, takeoff: 64,000 lb (29,000 kg)/10,230 lb (4640 kg)
  • Stage 1 62,700 lb (28,400 kg)/9,600 lb (4,400 kg)
  • Stage 2 1,020 lb (460 kg)/490 lb (220 kg)
  • Stage 3 280 lb (130 kg)/140 lb (64 kg)
• Propulsion
  • Stage 1: Rocketdyne A-7 engine
    • Thrust, 83,000 lbf (370 kN)
    • burning time, 155 s
    • specific impulse, 235 s (2.30 kN·s/kg)
    • propellants, liquid oxygen, as oxidizer, and "Hydyne" (60% unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and 40% diethylenetriamine), as fuel
    • propellant feed, turbopump type
    • turbopump drive, 90% hydrogen peroxide decomposed by catalyst bed to produce steam
  • Stage 2: Eleven JPL scaled-down Sergeant rockets
    • Thrust, 16,500 lbf (73 kN)
    • burning time, 6.5 s
    • specific impulse, 220 s (2.16 kN·s/kg)
    • propellant, polysulfide-aluminum and ammonium perchlorate (solid propellant)
  • Stage 3: Three JPL scaled-down Sergeant rockets
    • Thrust, 4,500 lbf (24 kN)
    • burning time, 6.5 s
    • specific impulse, 235 s (2.30 kN·s/kg)
    • propellant, same as for Stage 2