Tag: MSFC
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MSFC bringing long-term experience to the return of US crewed spaceflight
One of NASA’s biggest facilities, the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), is bringing its vast experience into play for the long-awaited return of US domestic crew launch capability. The center’s Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) has been conducting reviews and running sims associated with the Demo-2 (DM-2) mission that is scheduled to launch at the…
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Blue Origin sign up historic test stand for engine testing
Blue Origin has signed a Commercial Space Launch Act agreement with NASA for the use of the historic 4670 test stand at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Despite setting up its own in-house test stands, including one that is being constructed at their Cape Canaveral launch site, Blue Origin is now also set to…
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Third SLS STA headed to Marshall as limited work continues during NASA shutdown
Just prior to expiration of U.S. federal government funding for NASA on December 21, the third of four structural test articles (STA) for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) left the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans on its way by barge to the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama, for testing in…
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Pegasus ships latest SLS test article to NASA Marshall for key tests
After a week and a half long river trip on Pegasus, the second of four Core Stage structural test articles (STA) arrived at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, to start final preparations for a series of structural tests planned to begin this Summer. The Space Launch System (SLS) Program completed construction of…
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NASA, Boeing rewriting the book on building the SLS Core Stage
NASA and Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage prime contractor Boeing are making progress building their first vehicle, learning how to put it together and rewriting the assembly instructions on the fly. The major elements of Core Stage-1 (CS-1) and its companion structural test articles (STA) are being built up in work areas at the…
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New SLS test stands rise out of the ground at Marshall
Two new test stands are being constructed at the Marshall Space Flight Center, ready to “stress out” the Space Launch System (SLS). Test Stand 4697 and 4693 are both under construction, ready to receive all major elements of the monster rocket for structural testing. The 215-foot stand Test Stand 4693 is being built on the foundations…
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SMAT firings ramp up for SLS acoustic testing
The mini-me version of the Space Launch System (SLS) is now being put through its paces as part of the Scale Model Acoustic Test (SMAT) program. The heavily instrumented five percent scale model of the SLS is being used to provide data on the acoustical energy that could be expected during launch, in turn feeding…
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SPMT: Providing transport to SLS core stages
NASA teams are finalizing the details on the Self Propelled Module Transporter (SPMT) that will allow for Space Launch System Structural Test Articles (STAs) and the Integrated Core Stage (ICS) to depart the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) en route to shipping to various NASA hubs, including the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). SPMT: SPMT’s are used all…
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SLS SMAT: The Mini-Me version of the monster rocket
The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is constructing a scaled version of the Space Launch System (SLS), ahead of test firing it later this year. Known as the Scale Model Acoustic Test (SMAT), the mini-version of the SLS will have functioning rockets mimicking both the core engines and boosters. SLS SMAT: Continuing the heritage of…
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MSFC Director: Commercial Space should be serious about Huntsville
Recently appointed Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Director Patrick Scheuermann believes there is a buoyant future for the Alabama facility, citing the Center’s role with the Space Launch System, whilst noting commercial companies who are “serious” about space, should consider partnering with Huntsville’s engineering base. MSFC Boss Buoyant: Replacing the popular Robert Lightfoot – who…