Launch Equipment Test Facility

Launch Equipment Test Facility

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is home to the Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF), a versatile test and development area that supports the entire spectrum of operational programs.  The LETF was originally established in the 1970s to accommodate full-scale qualification of Space Shuttle umbilicals and T-0 release mechanisms.  It has been upgraded and refurbished to support NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) program, and is used to test a wide variety of large-scale hardware and ground support equipment components.  Equipment at the facility can recreate lift-off and operational conditions to test component performance, and can supply cryogenics, hydraulics, electrical, ECS and other commodities to enable “Test-as-you-fly”.

Capabilities

The LETF’s unique facilities/services include:

• 600-ton test fixture for multipurpose proof loading of large testing articles in either the vertical or horizontal orientation, and in either tension or compression
• Two independent Vehicle Motion Simulators recreate all of the motions that a launch vehicle (6 Degrees of Freedoms) will experience from rollout to the launch pad through the first second of launch
• Qualification testing of umbilical systems in both pre-launch and launch environments and launch vehicle access arms in pre-launch environment
• Verification of operational procedures, clearances, disconnect systems performance and margins, and vehicle loads throughout the vehicle processing flow
• Ability to create LN2 and LH2 flows to subject test articles to cryogenic temperatures and pressure
• Ability to perform component testing using LN2, LH2, GN2, GHE, water or hydraulic fluid
• Vehicle Stabilizer Test Fixture -- motion control system capable of simulating large biaxial load profiles
• Data Monitoring and Acquisition – Data acquisition system/software and video system available in fully equipped control room with test team communication system
• Mobile Instrumentation Support – mobile, self-contained control room with National Instruments PXI-based Data Acquisition System, operates off facility or generator power

Accomplishments

• Began qualification testing of newly designed and fabricated SLS mobile launcher umbilicals in March 2015 (Aft Skirt Electrical Umbilical program is complete)
• Provided instrumentation support for the SLS Mobile Launcher during its move to Pad B
• Provided support for Orion Launch Abort System Pyro Shock Testing.
• Provided support to Lockheed Martin Targeting Missile Systems Division