Restoring Former Saturn Rocket Test Stand

Rocket Test Stand Assessment and Restoration Design

Standing 295-feet tall and equipped with a 200-ton main derrick lifting crane, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) John C. Stennis Space Center’s 50-year old B-2 Test Stand was in need of a complete condition assessment of its structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. Contracted to provide the assessment, PRIME AE worked with NASA in its first step to upgrading the B-2 Test Stand for service in the development of a heavy lift rocket for the Mars mission.

PRIME AE had the geometrically complex structure modeled in a wind tunnel to obtain a more accurate value of hurricane wind forces than could be achieved from any calculations. The modeling resulted in the specification of hurricane wind resistant retractable walls.

NASA planned to demolish and then rebuild a 700-ton building sub assembly in a new location. PRIME AE presented NASA with a cost savings solution to move the sub assembly resulting in a savings of 90 days on the schedule and $4.5M of the $150M budget. The 2014 Director of Mission Safety and Assurance Directorate stated that the relocation, “…marks the point in time and place where this collection of Stennis Space Center employees moved into greatness.”

$4.5M savings

90 days savings in schedule