Saturn V dynamic test stand

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox NRHP

| name = Saturn V dynamic test stand

| nrhp_type = nhl

| image = SA-500D in Dynamic Test Stand Configuration I.jpg

| caption = SA-500D is erected inside the dynamic test stand for configuration I testing, December, 1966.

| location = Huntsville, Alabama

| coordinates = {{coord|34|37|50.97|N|86|39|40.13|W|display=inline,title}}

| locmapin = USA Alabama Huntsville#Alabama#USA

| area =less than one acre

| built = {{start date|1964}}

| 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 NASA

| architecture =

| designated_nrhp_type= October 3, 1985{{cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1923&ResourceType=Structure

|title=Saturn V Dynamic Test Stand |accessdate=2007-10-25|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070728062020/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1923&ResourceType=Structure|archive-date=2007-07-28}}

| added = October 3, 1985{{NRISref|2007a}}

| refnum = 85002806

}}

Saturn V dynamic test stand, also known as dynamic structural test facility,{{cite book |title=Man in space: study of alternatives |date=1987 |publisher=United States National Park Service |page=26 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MWK_59ni-i0C |accessdate=12 July 2019}} at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama is the test stand used for testing of the Saturn V rocket and the Space Shuttle prior to the vehicles' first flights. Designated building 4550, it stands {{convert|363|ft|m}} tall and is {{convert|98|ft|m}} square.{{cite web | url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/33024706/Facilities-Chapter-Nine-of-Saturn-V-Press-Kit | title=Saturn V Press Kit: Chapter 9 - Facilities | accessdate=March 29, 2011 | publisher=NASA | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106215954/http://www.scribd.com/doc/33024706/Facilities-Chapter-Nine-of-Saturn-V-Press-Kit | archivedate=November 6, 2012 }} Its central bay has maximum dimensions of {{convert|74|x|74|ft|m}}, and it is topped by a derrick capable of moving 200-ton objects in a {{convert|70|ft|m|adj=on}} radius. An elevator provides access to 15 levels in the structure, and a cable tunnel connects the building to control facilities in the space center's East Test Area.

NASA built the test stand in 1964 to conduct mechanical and vibrational tests on the fully assembled Saturn V rocket. Major problems capable of causing failure of the vehicle were discovered and corrected here. The new building was so tall that in 1966 when the Saturn V first stage was entering, an observer noted, "Fog and clouds hovered around the top of the {{convert|360|foot}} tall test stand most of the day while the {{convert|300000| lb}} stage was being lifted from its transporter into place inside the stand, said to be the tallest building in Alabama."{{cite news | publisher=MSFC |newspaper=Marshall Star |date=January 19, 1966 | title=Dynamics S-IC Moved (photo caption) | page=8 }} quoted in {{cite web |last=Wright |first=Mike |title=Three Saturn Vs on Display Teach Lessons in Space History |url=http://history.msfc.nasa.gov/saturn_apollo/display.html |publisher=Marshall Space Flight Center History Office |accessdate=10 February 2011}} The stand was used to test how spacecraft behaved when put under vibrating and bending stresses, and to test the connections between major stages of the craft.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1985 for its role in the Saturn V program.{{Cite web|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Saturn V Dynamic Test Stand|url={{NHLS url|id=85002806}} |format=pdf|date=May 15, 1984 |first=Harry A. |last=Butowsky |publisher=National Park Service}} and {{NHLS url|id=85002806|title=Accompanying 9 photos, exterior and interior, from 1971, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, and 1984.|photos=y}} {{small|(2.30 MB)}}

In addition to the Saturn V dynamic test vehicle, designated SA-500D, two Space Shuttle test vehicles, Pathfinder and Enterprise, were also tested in this facility.

Space Shuttle Pathfinder OV-098 original configuration.jpg|The Space Shuttle Orbiter simulator is hoisted into the Saturn V dynamic test stand in 1977

Dynamic Structural Test Facility.jpg|The Shuttle Enterprise is loaded into the Saturn V dynamic test stand for a shake test, c. 1978