John C. Stennis Space Center - Test Stands

Test Stands

The Engineering & Science Directorate (ESD) at SSC operates and maintains SSC's rocket test stands.

A-1
The A-1 test stand was originally designed to test the Apollo Saturn V Second Stage (S-II). It supports a maximum dynamic load of 1.7 M lbf.
A-2
The A-2 test stand is used for J-2X Engine testing. It supports a maximum dynamic load of 1.1 M lbf.
A-3
NASA has begun construction of the new A-3 test stand at SSC. The A-3 stand will be used for testing J-2X engines under vacuum conditions simulating high altitude operation. A-3 will also be operable as a sea-level test facility.
B-1/B-2
The B-1/B-2 test stand is a dual-position stand supporting a maximum dynamic load of 11M lbf. It was originally built to simultaneously test the five F-1 engines of a complete Saturn-V S1-C first stage. During the shuttle era it was modified to test the Space Shuttle Main Engine(SSME). It is currently used for Delta IV rocket engine testing.
E-Complex
The E-Complex supports testing of small engine and single/multiple components.

  • Shuttle main engine test in the A-1 Test Stand.

  • Construction of the A-2 Test Stand.

  • A-3 test stand under construction in March 2011.

  • Test firing of a Space Shuttle main engine in the A-1 Test Stand.

  • Installation of a 35,000-gallon liquid oxygen tank atop the A-3 Test Stand.

Read more about this topic:  John C. Stennis Space Center

Famous quotes containing the words test and/or stands:

    “No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we’re looking for the sources of our troubles, we shouldn’t test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power.”
    —P.J. (Patrick Jake)

    “A healthy soul stands united with the Just and the True, as the magnet arranges itself with the pole, so that he stands to all beholders like a transparent object betwixt them and the sun, and whoso journeys towards the sun, journeys towards that person. He is thus the medium of the highest influence to all who are not on the same level.”
    —Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)