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Saturn V served as the launcher for the U.S. Apollo lunar exploration program.

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Includes the Apollo craft, the lunar module and the third stage; the latter, after being placed in Earth’s orbit, soars toward the Moon.

At an altitude of 148 km, the third-stage engine begins to run, allowing the launcher to place itself in orbit before making its way toward the Moon.

At an altitude of 62.5 km, the five second-stage engines ignite, burning for 6 min. 30 sec. before they are jettisoned.

Equipped with five F-1 engines that give the launcher the thrust it needs to leave the launchpad; jettisoned after 2 min. 30 sec. of flight.

The first stage is equipped with five; it provides thrust using kerosene-liquid oxygen combustion.

The end portion of a rocket from which combustion gases escape, thereby creating the thrust needed to propel the craft.

Fins located on either side of the launcher, serving to stabilize it.

Pipe through which liquid oxygen is sent to the rocket engines.

Kerosene, burned on contact with liquid oxygen, serves as fuel for F-1 engines.

Serves to limit the movement of liquid oxygen inside the tank.

Contains liquid oxygen used to burn kerosene.

Hydrogen, burned on contact with liquid oxygen, serves as engine fuel.

The second and third stages are equipped with J-2 engines; these provide thrust using liquid oxygen-hydrogen combustion.

Helium is used to pressurize the oxygen tank.

The brain of the rocket; includes the computers and all of the electronic equipment that controls the rocket during its launch.

Inhabited section of the craft; enabled two men to walk on the Moon and spend a few days there before returning to dock with the Apollo capsule.

Houses the main propulsion system and supplies energy, electricity, water and other provisions.

Capsule inhabited by the crew during most of an Apollo mission; the only part of the vehicle to return to Earth.

Makes it possible, in the event of damage, to separate the command module from the rest of the launcher and to pull it.