Saturn V Apollo rocket 3rd stage, exploded view. The Saturn V was the launch vehicle for NASA's Apollo programme of manned missions to the Moon between 1968 and 1972. The third stage, S-IVB, had one J-2 engine and set the craft on its course to the Moon. The Lunar Module was housed in a compartment (seen here with panels open) above the third stage. The Service Module was located above the lunar module, and connected to the conical Command Module containing the crew. The rocket was topped by the Launch Escape System tower.