Propulsion and Structural Test Facility

	Propulsion and Structural Test Facility
	U.S. National Register of Historic Places
	U.S. National Historic Landmark
	Propulsion and Structural Test Facility at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center.
Location	Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Coordinates	34°37′31.5″N 86°39′30.8″W / 34.625417°N 86.658556°W
Area	less than one acre
Built	1957
Architect	Heinz Hilten of the U.S. Army
NRHP reference No.	85002804
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	October 3, 1985
Designated NHL	October 3, 1985

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[edit]

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]

References[edit]

^ Spires, Shelby (April 30, 2009). "Architect for rocket team hits a century". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
^ ^a ^b ^c "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.
^ ^a ^b ^c 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)
^ "Modifications and Operations at Building 4572 in SUppOlt of Ares Project: Record of Environmental Consideration" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved January 1, 2020.

External links[edit]

Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary

[Hilten-1] Spires, Shelby (April 30, 2009). "Architect for rocket team hits a century". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved February 12, 2011.

[nris-2] "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.

[nhlsum-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.

[nrhpinv2-4] 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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v t e Spaceflight National Historic Landmarks
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v t e NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, Alabama)
Directors	von Braun Rees Petrone Lucas Thompson Lee Bridwell Littles Griner* Stephenson King Lightfoot Goldman* Henderson* Scheuermann
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NRHP sites	Neutral Buoyancy Simulator Propulsion and Structural Test Facility Redstone Test Stand Saturn V Dynamic Test Stand Saturn V Dynamic Test Vehicle
Other	Operation Paperclip list of scientists ABMA Redstone Arsenal Redstone Rocket U.S. Space & Rocket Center
* acting director only

Propulsion and Structural Test Facility

Description and history[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

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