For most people, transporting a 40-thousand pound rocket engine is an impossible task. For Nelson Trucking Company, it’s a typical feat. This particular F-1 rocket engine was no ordinary piece of metal. As the engine responsible for launching Apollo-12 in 1969, special equipment was required to transport to the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.

The discovery of this artifact was led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos* in 2013. Hidden for over 40 years 14,000 feet below sea-level, Bezos’ recovery mission raised the remnants out of the ocean. At the request of Bezos, NASA sent the F-1 engine to Seattle, Washington’s Museum of Flight.

Nelson Trucking Company partnered with the Museum of Flight to move the engine to its destination on the second floor. Logistics and equipment were covered by the crew at Nelson through meticulous planning, gantry tracks, and 4-point gantry systems.

Nelson Trucking Company had a unique opportunity to be a part of American Space History through partnership with the Museum of Flight. While the project only took a few days, the engine is now available to enjoy for many years to come. To view the exhibit at the Museum of Flight, visit their website for more information. https://www.museumofflight.org/
*http://www.bezosexpeditions.com/engine-recovery.html