Thermal Vacuum Facilities 5 and 6
NASA Glenn Research Center’s Electric Propulsion and Power Laboratory, formerly known as the Electric Propulsion Laboratory, supports research and development of spacecraft power and electric propulsion systems.
Two very large space environment simulation chambers—Thermal Vacuum Facilities 5 and 6 (VF-5 and VF-6)—are part of the complex, which includes intermediate and smaller environment simulation chambers suitable for testing small engines or components; bell jars used for development and small-scale component testing; and support areas including an electronics shop, machine shop, clean room and office space.
The space simulation chambers have been enhanced to support the unique requirements of electric propulsion and power-system testing. Several of the chambers have multiple air-locked access ports. These ports allow several tests to be conducted simultaneously in each chamber without cycling back to atmospheric pressure during introduction or removal of test hardware.
Conditioned direct-current power is supplied to both the VF-5 and VF-6 to power ion, Hall and magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters.
Read more about Thermal Vacuum Facilities 5 and 6.
To arrange testing in this facility, please contact Michael McVetta or email hq-setmo@mail.nasa.gov.
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