| The stage one engine generates as much power as two 747s. It burns for only 2.5 minutes but consumes about 25,000 gallons (95,000 l) of propellant. That’s about 170 gallons (650 l) per second.
Stage two engine (behind stage one) burns for about 3 minutes and propels the missile to about 200 miles (320 km) in altitude.
A small solid propellant vernier motor (at left in display) is one of two such units used to make fine corrections in velocity after stage two cutoff. |