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A-2 Test Stand

Aerial view of Stennis Space Center Test Complex; E Test Complex (foreground) and A Test Complex (background)

Test Facility Capabilities

Large, Altitude Engine Test Facility

The A-2 Test Stand is a single-position, vertical-firing test stand used to test liquid rocket engines at altitude-simulated conditions. Test configurations have consisted of full flight stage and main propulsion system (ascent vehicle), and single-engine testing at sea level and altitude simulation. It is currently configured for engine testing, with a 33-foot diameter opening within the thrust drum.

A-2 Test Stand
A-2 Test Stand
NASA / Stennis

Maximum Thrust: 1,500,000 pounds (original design); 650,000 pounds (current configuration)
Altitude: 60,000 feet (passive diffuser)
Propellants: Liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen

Current/Scheduled Work:

  • Facility currently mothballed

Past Propulsion Test Activities:

  • NASA Constellation Program J‐2X engine (2011‐2014)
  • NASA Space Shuttle Main Engine testing (1976‐2009)
  • NASA Saturn S-II (5-eEngine cluster) stage testing (1966‐1970)
  • Space Shuttle Main Engine (NASA/Boeing)

Other NASA Stennis Test Facilities and Support Infrastructures

NASA Stennis has many unique test facilities and supporting infrastructure which provides world-class testing services.