Saturn V dynamic test stand facts for kids
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Saturn V dynamic test stand
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SA-500D is erected inside the dynamic test stand for configuration I testing, December, 1966.
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 Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1964 |
| Architect | Heinz Hilten of NASA |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002806 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 3, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | October 3, 1985 |
The Saturn V dynamic test stand is a very tall building in Huntsville, Alabama. It is also known as the dynamic structural test facility. This special building is part of the Marshall Space Flight Center. It was used to test huge rockets like the Saturn V and the Space Shuttle. These tests happened before the rockets ever flew into space.
The test stand is building number 4550. It stands about 363 feet (111 meters) tall. It is also 98 feet (30 meters) wide on each side. The main open area inside is 74 by 74 feet (23 by 23 meters). At the very top, there is a large crane called a derrick. This crane can lift very heavy objects, up to 200 tons (about 181,000 kg). It can move them around in a 70-foot (21-meter) circle. An elevator helps people reach 15 different levels inside the building. A special tunnel connects the stand to control rooms nearby.
Contents
Why Was This Test Stand Built?
Testing Rockets Before Flight
NASA built this test stand in 1964. Its main job was to test the giant Saturn V rocket. Engineers needed to check how the rocket would handle different forces. They looked at how it vibrated and bent. They also checked the connections between its different parts.
These tests were very important. They helped find big problems that could make the rocket fail. Any issues found were fixed right there. This made sure the rockets were safe before launch.
A Very Tall Building
The test stand was so tall that it often touched the clouds. In 1966, the first part of a Saturn V rocket was being lifted inside. An observer said that fog and clouds were around the top of the 360-foot (110-meter) tall stand. This happened while the 300,000-pound (136,000 kg) rocket part was being moved. At the time, it was said to be the tallest building in Alabama.
What Was Tested Here?
Saturn V Rocket Tests
The first main vehicle tested here was the Saturn V dynamic test vehicle. This was a special version of the Saturn V rocket. It was called SA-500D. It was used to practice how the real rockets would behave.
Space Shuttle Tests
After the Saturn V program, the test stand was used for the Space Shuttle. Two Space Shuttle test vehicles came here. One was named Pathfinder. The other was named Enterprise. These tests helped engineers understand how the Space Shuttle would handle the stresses of spaceflight.
A National Landmark
The Saturn V dynamic test stand is a very important part of space history. Because of its big role in the Saturn V program, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1985. This means it is a special place that helps tell the story of the United States.
Images for kids
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The Space Shuttle Orbiter simulator is hoisted into the Saturn V dynamic test stand in 1977
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The Shuttle Enterprise is loaded into the Saturn V dynamic test stand for a shake test, c. 1978
