Propulsion and Structural Test Facility
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Propulsion and Structural Test Facility
| nrhp_type = nhl
| image = Propulsion and Structural Test Facility.jpg
| caption = Propulsion and Structural Test Facility at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center.
| location = Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama
| coordinates = {{coord|34|37|31.5|N|86|39|30.8|W|display=inline,title}}
| locmapin = USA Alabama Huntsville#Alabama#USA
| area = less than one acre
| built = {{start date|1957}}
| architect = Heinz Hilten{{cite web |url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/1241082916203050.xml&coll=1 |title=Architect for rocket team hits a century |last1=Spires |first1=Shelby |date=April 30, 2009 |work=The Huntsville Times |accessdate=February 12, 2011}} of the U.S. Army
| architecture =
| added = October 3, 1985{{NRISref|2007a}}
| refnum = 85002804
}}
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. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1985 for its role in the development of the United States space program.{{Cite web|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Propulsion and Structural Test Facility / Solid Motor Structural Test Facility|url={{NHLS url|id=85002804}} |format=pdf|date=May 15, 1984 |first=Harry A. |last=Butowsky |publisher=National Park Service}} and {{NHLS url|id=85002804|title=Accompanying 8 photos, from 1971, 1982, and 1984.|photos=y}} {{small|(2.09 MB)}}
Description and history
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 {{convert|175|ft|m}} in height, resting on a base that measures {{convert|20|x|30|ft|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 {{convert|82|ft|m}} in height and {{convert|22|ft|m}} in diameter.
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. The facility was planned to undergo modifications in the 2010s in anticipation of its use for testing a new generation of rockets.{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/510172main__Modification%20and%20Operations%20at%20Building%204572%20in%20Support%20of%20Ares%20Project.pdf|title=Modifications and Operations at Building 4572 in SUppOlt of Ares Project: Record of Environmental Consideration|publisher=NASA|accessdate=2020-01-01}}
See also
References
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External links
{{Commons category}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070703230334/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/aviation/ Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary]
{{NASA centers}}
{{National Register of Historic Places}}
{{Spaceflight landmarks}}
{{NASAMSFC}}
Category:Marshall Space Flight Center
Category:National Historic Landmarks in Alabama
Category:History of spaceflight
Category:National Register of Historic Places in Huntsville, Alabama