The Rocket Systems Area at NASA Glenn Research Center’s Plum Brook Station (today, Armstrong Test Facility) was an essential to the development of liquid-hydrogen propulsion systems for rocket engines. The complex contained 11 different facilities that tested turbopumps, engine components, and propellant tanks. Glenn’s development of hydrogen pumping and storage systems was critical to the success of the Saturn and Centaur upper-stage rockets.
History
Design and Construction
In the late 1950s, the center began planning a suite of new facilities referred to as the Rocket Systems Area to expand its high-energy propellant test capabilities.
Centaur Program
The Centaur second-stage vehicle was the first major rocket to use the liquid hydrogen technology developed by Lewis in the 1950s.
Nuclear Rockets
The Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications (NERVA) sought to develop a nuclear-powered rocket for both various space applications.
Pumps and Tanks
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Lewis Research Center’s work with liquid hydrogen began shifting from combustion and cooling to the handling of the cryogenic fluid.
Final Years
NASA canceled all of its nuclear propulsion and power programs in December 1972, resulting in the closure of of the Rocket Systems Area.
Facility
Pump Sites
Description of the cryogenic propellant pumping test sites: A Site, C Site, D Site, and I Site.
E Stand
The Dynamics Stand simulated the vibrations and forces that occur during launches without having to fire the engines.
B-1 and B-3 Test Stands
The High Energy Rocket Engine Research Facility (B-1) and Nuclear Rocket Dynamics and Control Facility (B-3) were vertical test stands that permitted rocket fuel systems to be studied in simulated altitude conditions
Turbine Sites
The Hydraulics Laboratory (F Site) and Pump and Turbine Facility (G Site) were designed to test turbines for liquid rocket engines.
J Site
The Rocket System Test Site consisted of five different test facilities that investigated rocket combustion, propellant storage, heat transfer, and fluorine handling.
K Site
The Cryogenic Propellant Tank Facility was designed to test cryogenic propellant tanks in a simulated space environment.
Support Facilities
Testing at the Rocket Systems Area would not have been possible without the services of an extensive team of individuals and support facilities.
Research
NASA's Hydrogen Outpost
This publication focuses on the activities at the Rocket Systems Area, but it also discusses hydrogen's role in NASA's space program and Lewis's overall hydrogen work.
Timelines
Timelines noting key events and tests related to the Rocket Systems Area.
Historic Documents
A collection of links to PDFs of historical documents, monthly status reports, reference material, and technical reports related to the Rocket Systems Area and Plum Brook Station.
The NASA Glenn History Office documents the research, facilities, and people who have contributed to the center’s extensive history and manages the Glenn History Collection.
