Over the ensuing years, numerous full-scale propulsion systems for the Apollo Service Propulsion and Lunar Modules, Space Shuttle Orbiter, and the International Space Station, as well as commercial and military upper stages and planetary exploration spacecraft, have been developed and qualified through exhaustive simulated mission duty cycle testing. WSTF is also evaluating upgraded or redesigned Shuttle Orbiter components to extend service life, enhance performance, and improve mission safety. WSTF is formally certified to perform precision cleaning and depot-level refurbishment of Shuttle orbital maneuvering engines, reaction control system thrusters, and several other flight-critical propulsion system components.

Image left: 2200 lb (1 Mg) Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Hydrogen Explosion

The scientific investigation of explosion phenomena at WSTF is aimed at improving safety at launch facilities and other areas where hazardous materials are used. Using ultra high-speed instrumentation to measure the effects of exploding liquid and solid propellants, we can more precisely define safety and structural requirements for new and existing launch facilities.

WSTF is a center of technical excellence in the fields of high-pressure oxygen systems and materials and rocket propellant safety. We offer:

• Functional and performance evaluation tests
• Hazards/failure analyses of materials, components, and complete systems
• System design evaluation and recommendations
• Safety training courses and manuals

We provide support to the NASA Reusable Launch Vehicle program with propulsion system test facilities, vehicle servicing, payload integration, component evaluation and refurbishment, and launch and landing support capabilities. For example, the four liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen engines in the reusable DC-X vertical takeoff and vertical landing technology demonstrator vehicle were initially test-fired at WSTF before flight. Propellant servicing equipment and related ground operations were subsequently provided to support the DC-X launches from the nearby White Sands Space Harbor (WSSH).

Similar static rocket engine testing, propellant servicing, and launch and landing support will be provided for tests of the winged, rocket-propelled suborbital X-34 reusable concept demonstration vehicle at Holloman Air Force Base. During these tests, the vehicle will be air-launched from a large carrier aircraft, flown to the fringes of space, then landed horizontally on a dry lakebed runway at WSSH.

WSTF operates two laser-leveled lakebed runways at WSSH as an alternate orbiter landing site and coordinates astronaut training in flying the critical approach and landing phase of Shuttle missions. The Shuttle Training Aircraft, specially modified jets that duplicate the controls and light characteristics of the Shuttle Orbiter, are hangared at the 
El Paso International Airport.

Services Available for Governmental and Commercial Customers

Testing Materials and Propulsion Systems

• Ignition, flammability, odor, and offgassing
• Materials compatibility with routine/hazardous fluids
• Aerospace fluid systems and components
• Hypervelocity particle impact
• Solid/liquid rocket systems up to 60,000 lb (270 kN) thrust
  • Nine rocket engine/system test stands, including six vacuum cells
  • Long-duration high-altitude simulation
  • Off-limits and life-cycle testing

Research and Development

• Burn-resistant alloys
• Blast phenomena and propellant explosion studies
• Propellant chemistry and characterization
• Spacecraft material properties
  • Metals
  • Polymers
  • Composites

Technical Consultation

• Hazards/failure analyses with system design evaluation and recommendations
  • Oxygen
  • Hydrogen
  • Propellant hydrazines
  • Nitrogen tetroxide
• Cryogenic and hypergolic propellant handling

Training and Publications

• Oxygen and hydrogen safety
• Composite overwrapped pressure vessel damage detection
• Training courses and safety manuals for cryogenic and hypergolic propellants
  

Technical Capabilities

• Chemical, physical, and metallurgical analyses
• Nondestructive evaluation techniques
• State-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, including
  • Fourier transform infrared spectroscope
  • Scanning electron microscope
  • Gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers
  • Microcalorimeter
  • Auger electron spectroscopy for surface analysis
• Flight component fabrication, cleaning, and refurbishment
• Instrumentation calibration to National Institute of Standards and Technology

All WSTF services are available to other governmental and commercial customers. We have developed customer-friendly reimbursable agreements to streamline those business relationships and are eager to share our unique facilities and expertise with new customers. We invite your inquiries regarding application or adaptation of our capabilities to satisfy your special requirements. Briefings on general or specific subjects of mutual interest can be arranged at WSTF or at your business site.

For additional information contact Sandy Ruttle