retired Apollo · USA

Saturn V

NASA

The most powerful rocket ever flown until Starship. Sent all 12 humans who walked on the Moon. 13 flights, 13 successes.

Specifications

Height
111 m
Diameter
10.1 m
Payload to LEO
130 t
Payload to GTO
48.6 t
Thrust at liftoff
34,020 kN
Stages
3
Reusable
No
First flight
1967
Propellant
Kerosene/LH2/LOX

Frequently asked about Saturn V

When did Saturn V first fly?
Saturn V had its first flight in 1967, operated by NASA. Current status: retired.
What's the payload capacity of Saturn V?
Saturn V can lift up to 130 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 48.6 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
How tall is Saturn V?
Saturn V stands 111 metres tall with a diameter of 10.1 metres. Total thrust at liftoff: 34,020 kN across 3 stages.
Is Saturn V reusable?
No, Saturn V is expendable — boosters and upper stages are not recovered for reflight.