Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF)

Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF)

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is home to the Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF), a versatile test and development area that supports the entire spectrum of operational programs.  The LETF was originally established in the 1970s to accommodate full-scale qualification of Space Shuttle umbilicals and T-0 release mechanisms.  It has been upgraded and refurbished to support NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) program, and is used to test a wide variety of large-scale hardware and ground support equipment components.  Equipment at the facility can recreate lift-off and operational conditions to test component performance, and can supply cryogenics, hydraulics, electrical, ECS and other commodities to enable “Test-as-you-fly”.

LETF Capabilities Document

The LETF’s unique facilities/services include:

  • 600-ton test fixture for multipurpose proof loading of large testing articles in either the vertical or horizontal orientation, and in either tension or compression
  • Two independent Vehicle Motion Simulators recreate all of the motions that a launch vehicle (6 Degrees of Freedoms) will experience from rollout to the launch pad through the first second of launch
  • Qualification testing of umbilical systems in both pre-launch and launch environments and launch vehicle access arms in pre-launch environment
  • Verification of operational procedures, clearances, disconnect systems performance and margins, and vehicle loads throughout the vehicle processing flow
  • Ability to create LN2 and LH2 flows to subject test articles to cryogenic temperatures and pressure
  • Ability to perform component testing using LN2, LH2, GN2, GHE, water or hydraulic fluid
  • Vehicle Stabilizer Test Fixture — motion control system capable of simulating large biaxial load profiles
  • Data Monitoring and Acquisition – Data acquisition system/software and video system available in fully equipped control room with test team communication system
  • Mobile Instrumentation Support – mobile, self-contained control room with National Instruments PXI-based Data Acquisition System, operates off facility or generator power

Accomplishments

  • Began qualification testing of newly designed and fabricated SLS mobile launcher umbilicals in March 2015 (Aft Skirt Electrical Umbilical program is complete)
  • Provided instrumentation support for the SLS Mobile Launcher during its move to Pad B
  • Provided support for Orion Launch Abort System Pyro Shock Testing
  • Provided support to Lockheed Martin Targeting Missile Systems Division

Test Fixture Details

  • Vehicle Motion Simulator
  • 600 Ton Proof Load Test Fixture
  • Vehicle Support Post Test Fixture
  • Vehicle Stabilizer Test Fixture
  • Water Flow Test Loop
  • Cryogenic Component Test Area
  • Fluids Component Test Bench
  • Launch Simulation Towers
  • GSE Integration Test Bed

Development Shops & Labs Details

  • Machine Shop & Weld Shop
  • Pneumatics Shop
  • Cable Fabrication & Molding Shop
  • Electrical Shop
  • Data Acquisition Systems Laboratory
  • LETF High Bay
  • Mechanical Shop

Support System Details

  • Control Room
  • Cryogenic System (LN2 & LH2)
  • Pneumatics System (GN2 & GHe)
  • Data Acquisition System
  • Video System (high/low speed/thermal)
  • Hazardous Gas Detection System
  • Area Warning Light System
  • Paging & Area Warning
  • Operational Audio Com System
  • Custom AC Power
  • DC Power

Space Shuttle

  • Full-scale umbilical and GSE testing with vehicle  motion and lift-off simulation.
  • LN2 and LH2 flow to subject test articles to cryogenic  temperatures and pressures that simulate launch  processing conditions
  • Component testing using LN2, LH2, GN2, GHe,  Water, or hydraulic fluid
  • Data acquisition up to 352 channels with recording  speeds to 60 million samples per second
  • Rapid prototype development and testing
  • PLC / Controls development
  • Structural testing/proof load testing of lifting  hardware, slings, etc., up to 600 tons
  • Instrumentation services (fixed and portable)
  • Pyrotechnics testing
  • Test Engineering

Space Shuttle

  • Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM) Qualification Testing
  • PGHM Automation Development and Testing
  • Circularity Measurement Tool (CMT) Development and Testing

Space Station

  • SSPF NH3 Servicer Qualification
  • MPLM Cooling Servicer System Prototype Development
  • MPLM Access Certification Equipment (MACE) Test Stand Fabrication and Checkout
  • Rack Insertion Device (RID) Fabrication and Testing
  • Cable Fabrication

LSP

  • Delta IV Swing Arm Testing
  • Delta IV Disconnect Testing
  • Delta IV Hydrogen Entrapment Testing
  • Atlas V Autocoupler Testing
  • Atlas V Autocoupler Testing
  • Titan H/W Proof Loading
  • ELV Payload Fairing Testing
  • Glory Spacecraft Payload Mockup  Fabrication

Space Launch Services

  • SLS Mobile Launcher 1 and 2 Umbilical Testing
  • Mobile Launcher Instrumentation Support During Move to Pad B
  • Mast Climber Testing
  • VAB Platform Testing
  • Telescoping Man-Lift Testing
  • LETF Upgrades and Facility Refurb
  • Weather System Fabrications
  • Crawler Shoe Testing
  • S-DAS Cable Fabrication
  • SLS Fluid Component Testing

Miscellaneous / Commercial

  • Blue Origin New Glenn Umbilical Testing
  • Lockheed Martin Nose Cone Testing
  • NESC Pyrotechnic Valve Testing
  • NESC Stud Hang-up Testing
  • Magnetically-Coupled Cryogenic Pump  Testing
  • APCI Linear Cryogenic Pump Testing
  • TUUA Fabrication and Testing
  • VSDS Testing
  • FSFSU Testing
  • Wire Rope Pull Testing
  • Stack 5 Lifting Hardware Fabrication
  • SpaceX Compression Bridge Proof-Load