Propulsion and Structural Test Facility
Propulsion and Structural Test Facility at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center.
Propulsion and Structural Test Facility is located in Huntsville, Alabama
Propulsion and Structural Test Facility
Propulsion and Structural Test Facility is located in Alabama
Propulsion and Structural Test Facility
Propulsion and Structural Test Facility is located in the United States
Propulsion and Structural Test Facility
LocationMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Coordinates34°37′31.5″N 86°39′30.8″W / 34.625417°N 86.658556°W / 34.625417; -86.658556
Arealess than one acre
Built1957 (1957)
ArchitectHeinz Hilten[1] of the U.S. Army
NRHP reference No.85002804
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 3, 1985[2]
Designated NHLOctober 3, 1985[3]

The Propulsion and Structural Test Facility, also known as Building 4572 and the Static Test Stand, is a rocket testing facility of the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Built in 1957, it was the site where the first single-stage rockets with multiple engines were tested.[4] It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1985 for its role in the development of the United States space program.[3][4]

Description and history

Building 4572 is located in the Marshall Space Flight Center's East Test Area. Its frame is of steel, with a concrete foundation and concrete load frame. It is 175 feet (53 m) in height, resting on a base that measures 20 by 30 feet (6.1 m × 9.1 m). It is surrounded by support facilities, and is accompanied by Building 4573, a gantry crane with a capacity of 45 tons. The stand can be configured to either support solid rocket booster testing, or liquid-fueled rockets powered by liquid oxygen or kerosene up to 82 feet (25 m) in height and 22 feet (6.7 m) in diameter.[4]

This facility was built in 1957 by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and was the primary center responsible for the development of large vehicles and rocket propulsion systems. The Saturn Family of launch vehicles was developed here under the direction of Wernher von Braun. The Saturn V remains the most powerful launch vehicle ever brought to operational status, from a height, weight and payload standpoint.[3] The facility was planned to undergo modifications in the 2010s in anticipation of its use for testing a new generation of rockets.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Spires, Shelby (April 30, 2009). "Architect for rocket team hits a century". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
  2. ↑ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  3. 1 2 3 "Propulsion and Structural Test Facility". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on January 11, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2007.
  4. 1 2 3 Butowsky, Harry A. (May 15, 1984). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Propulsion and Structural Test Facility / Solid Motor Structural Test Facility" (pdf). National Park Service. and Accompanying 8 photos, from 1971, 1982, and 1984. (2.09 MB)
  5. ↑ "Modifications and Operations at Building 4572 in SUppOlt of Ares Project: Record of Environmental Consideration" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
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