Built By Army Ballistic Missile Agency 1957, 140-foot high facility, The Saturn Family of launch vehicles were Developed There. Became a National Historic Landmark 1985. George C. Marshall Space Flight Center
Closed to the public
Library of Congress Link: Survey By The Library of Congress
The Propulsion and Structural Test Facility (PSTF) is a state-of-the-art testing facility located at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The PSTF is used to conduct large-scale tests on rocket engines and other propulsion systems, as well as on the structural components of spaceflight vehicles. The facility is one of the most advanced of its kind in the world and plays a critical role in the development of space exploration technologies.
The PSTF features a range of test equipment, including massive hydraulic systems capable of exerting forces of up to 8 million pounds. These systems are used to simulate the extreme conditions that spacecraft and their components experience during launch and in orbit. The facility also has a variety of test chambers that can simulate the vacuum of space, as well as extreme temperatures and other environmental conditions.
In addition to its testing capabilities, the PSTF also has a range of support facilities, including offices, labs, and workshops. These facilities are used by engineers and technicians to design and build test equipment, as well as to analyze test data and develop new technologies. The PSTF is staffed by a team of highly skilled professionals, including engineers, technicians, and support personnel, who work together to ensure the facility’s success.
The PSTF is an important part of NASA’s efforts to explore space and develop new technologies for space exploration. The facility has been used to test a wide range of propulsion systems and structural components, including rocket engines, fuel tanks, and heat shields. These tests have helped NASA to develop safer, more reliable, and more efficient spacecraft and launch vehicles, and have contributed to our understanding of the challenges of space exploration.
Overall, the Propulsion and Structural Test Facility is a critical resource for NASA and for the space industry as a whole. Its cutting-edge testing capabilities, advanced equipment, and skilled staff make it one of the most important facilities for space exploration in the world. The PSTF’s contributions to the development of new technologies and our understanding of space will continue to be an important part of our efforts to explore the universe.
