Impressive Rocketdyne Saturn V F-1 engine LOX turbopump oxidizer inlet closure, approximately 21″ in diameter, featuring two desiccant cups, a turbopump oxidizer inlet closure cup, a pair of humidity indicator plugs, and four captive fasteners. The desiccant cups with Rocketdyne logos are engraved "Install 8 Units Desiccant," feature identical stamped part numbers, "ST3950159RKL001" and "Assy-35070," with additional stamp above logo, "02602," and affixed inspection labels, "Desiccant Units, Reqd.-8-, Date: AUG 2, '69." The turbopump oxidizer inlet closure cup is engraved with the assembly part number, "ST3950173RKL001," and features an inspection stamp and two additional stamped numbers, "02602" and "MFR08790." Above the aforesaid cup is an affixed label, "Do Not Destroy, Return to Rocketdyne," with two other labels affixed below humidity indicator plugs, "Change Desiccant, When 40 Is Pink, Ref: RA0116-097, Do Not Remove Plug, ST3950160RKL003." Reverse of the inlet closure assembly reveals interior ports for the desiccant cups, both covered with fine mesh material, with stamped part number to upper portion, "ST3950156RKL001." Includes original protective cover with "Return to Rocketdyne" label and matching engraved/stamped part numbers to top and underside, "ST3950180RKL001." In very good to fine condition, with plastic window detached but present. The oxidizer turbopump is a single-stage centrifugal pump with direct turbine drive, and increases the pressure of the liquid oxygen and pumps it through high-pressure ducts to the thrust chamber. The turbines of the oxidizer and fuel turbopumps are connected in a series by exhaust ducting that directs the discharged exhaust gas from the fuel turbopump turbine to the inlet of the oxidizer turbopump turbine manifold. A rocket engine's turbopump is a precision mechanism that cannot tolerate contaminants to upset its fine tolerances and has to be protected from extremes of humidity. When not attached to an S-IC stage or test stand fittings, the F-1 turbopump's inlets were covered with closure assemblies.
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