Since initial use in 1958 for the X-15 rocket-powered research airplane, the Rocket Engine Test Facility has proven essential for testing and servicing rocket-powered vehicles at Edwards Air Force Base. For almost two decades, several successful flight-test programs utilized the capability of this facility. The Department of Defense has recently demonstrated a renewed interest in propulsion technology development with the establishment of the National Aerospace Initiative. More recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is undergoing a transformation to realign the organization, focusing on the Vision for Space Exploration. These initiatives provide a clear indication that a very capable ground-test stand at Edwards Air Force Base will be beneficial to support the testing of future access-to-space vehicles. This report describes the history of the X-15 Rocket Engine Test Facility, discusses the current status of the facility, and summarizes recent efforts to rehabilitate the facility to support potential access-to-space flight-test programs. A summary of the capabilities of the facility is presented and other important issues are discussed.
Rehabilitation of the Rocket Vehicle Integration Test Stand at Edwards Air Force Base
2005
62 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Rocket Engines & Motors , Rocket engines , Test facilities , Servicing , Powered lifting bodies , Integration tests , Requirements , Operating agreements , Explosive hazards , Flight research , Edwards Air Force Base , X-15 Rocket Engine Test Facility , Flight-test programs , Propulsion technology , Access-to-space flight-test programs
SAE Technical Papers | 1993
|Sonic Boom Experiments at Edwards Air Force Base
NTIS | 1967