Fins and Failings

Four fairings attach to the thrust structure and partially surround the outboard engines at the foot of the booster. They house the eight retrorockets and the actuator support structures. Fairings are shaped like cone halves and are constructed of alu­minum. Their purpose is to smooth the air flow over the engines.

The fins are airfoil attachments to the fairings. Fins are rigid and add to the vehicle’s flight stabil­ity. A titanium skin covers the fin for greatest protection against temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Each of the eight retrorockets generates about 86,600 pounds of thrust for two-thirds of a second

SATURN V NEWS REFERENCE

Tube and Valve Cleaning Vat – Each stage component is treated in a cleaning solution before final assembly.