Structures Energy and Propulsion Avionics Materials
Structures
Hypersonic Tunnel Facility (HTF)
- A blow-down, non-vitiated, free jet wind tunnel that is capable of simulating Mach 5, Mach 6, and Mach 7 true enthalpy conditions
- The primary performance differentiator between the HTF and other hypersonic free jet facilities is its non-vitiated (clean) flow.
Energy and Propulsion
Cryogenic Propellant Tank Facility (K-Site)
- Space-environment test chamber 25 ft in diameter with a 20 ft-diameter door
- The design and construction of this facility allows large-scale liquid hydrogen (LH2) experiments to be conducted safely.
Aircraft Avionics, Systems, and Equipment
- The world’s largest space environment simulation chamber measuring 100 ft. in diameter by 122 ft. high
- The facility is available on a full-cost reimbursable basis to government, universities, and the private sector.
Spacecraft Propulsion Research Facility (B-2)
- World’s only facility capable of testing full-scale upper-stage launch vehicles and rocket engines under simulated high-altitude conditions
- The engine or vehicle can be exposed for indefinite periods to low ambient pressures, low-background temperatures, and dynamic solar heating, simulating the environment the hardware will encounter during orbital or interplanetary travel.
Materials
Cryogenic Components Laboratory (CCL)
- Facility for research, development and qualification of cryogenic materials, components and systems
- CCL specializes in cryogenic research utilizing liquid hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen