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Overview[]

The Saturn V third stage is a medium-sized part that is used on the Saturn V rocket. It performs the final burn to get the payload to orbit, and can also be used for an escape burn for a payload. When used with the Apollo Command/Service Module and the Lunar Excursion Module, it performs trans-Lunar injection for both modules. When this stage is separated, it will remain in the universe, unless there was a payload inside of it before it was separated.

Trivia[]

  • Its engine, the Rocketdyne J-2, is modified in such a way it could have engine cutoffs and be re-ignited again. However, it reduces fuel space for the ignition chemical tanks, which makes it the second least efficient of the Saturn V rocket parts, the least efficient being the second stage.
  • Technical name: S-IVB
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