Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory (RHTL)

    The White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory (RHTL) is an access-controlled hazardous test area capable of simulating Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris on spacecraft materials and components. This unique NASA facility was designed to safely handle and test hazardous targets, and simulates impacts on shields, spacecraft, satellites, and spacesuits. Four Two-stage Light Gas Guns (2SLGGs) propel 0.05 mm single to 22.2 mm diameter projectiles to velocities in excess of 7.5 km/s.



    Hypervelocity Gun Lab
    Hypervelocity Gun Lab



    Because of WSTF’s remote location and attention to safety, the RHTL is capable of implementing test programs that propel projectiles at toxic or explosive materials and components such as batteries, aerospace fluids, and pressurized containers in a controlled laboratory environment. Release energies up to 2.3 kg (5 lb) TNT equivalent can be accommodated within the facility’s sealed target chambers.



    Technicians
    Technicians remove a potentially hazardous test article from target chamber after
    hypervelocity impact testing to determine the ballistic limit.



    Hyper Gun Lab WSTF
    Hypervelocity Gun Lab at WSTF



    For additional information, contact Karen Rodriguez at (575) 524-5279 or karen.m.rodriguez@nasa.gov.



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