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Man in Space A National Historic Landmark Theme Study

C. Rocket Engine Test Stands

8. Redstone Test Stand (George C. Marshall Space Flight Center)
9. Propulsion and Structural Test Facility (Marshall)
10. Rocket Propulsion Test Complex (National Space Technology Laboratories)

These facilities are recommended for designation as National Historic Landmarks because they represent the role of the Marshall Space Flight Center in the building and testing of actual space flight rockets. Before any rocket is allowed to fly and be used on a manned mission it is first tested by firing in a static test stand to verify its flight status. The Redstone Test Stand was the first facility of this type built at Marshall by Dr. Werner von Braun. The Redstone test stand tested the Mercury/Redstone missiles used to launch Alan B. Shepard and Gus Grissom on their first space launches. The Propulsion and Structural Test Facility was important in the testing of the Saturn 1B vehicle and represents the evolution of test stand technology from the days of the Army Redstone Missile to the Solid Rocket Boosters used on the Space Shuttle today. The Rocket Propulsion Test Complex was used by Marshall to test and man-rate all Saturn V rockets used in the Apollo Program.

Last Modified: Mon, Jan 8 2001 10:00:00 am PDT
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