{"id":195214,"date":"2023-02-28T17:55:55","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T22:55:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?post_type=topic&p=195214"},"modified":"2023-06-16T19:24:54","modified_gmt":"2023-06-16T23:24:54","slug":"white-sands-test-facility-history","status":"publish","type":"topic","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/white-sands-test-facility\/white-sands-test-facility-history\/","title":{"rendered":"White Sands Test Facility History"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\" hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-secondary-navigation\"><div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-wrapper z-top width-100 padding-0\"><div id=\"\" class=\"hds-secondary-navigation width-full border-bottom-1px text-center hds-color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-hdsnav\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"hds-secondary-nav-mobile-button display-flex tablet:display-flex desktop:display-none width-full flex-align-center bg-carbon-90 border-color-carbon-80 color-spacesuit-white\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"hds-secondary-nav-track\"><span>NASA History<\/span><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><\/button><div class=\"hds-secondary-nav-track grid-container grid-container-extrawide padding-0 tablet:padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-2 \"><div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-menu-items\"><nav><ul class=\"usa-nav__primary usa-accordion flex-justify-center margin-0\"><li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/explore-nasas-history\/\">Explore NASA’s History<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/history-office\/\">NASA History Office<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item\"><button type=\"button\" 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fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><\/button><ul id=\"basic-nav-section-one\" class=\"usa-nav__submenu\" hidden><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/history-publications-and-resources\/nasa-history-series\/\">NASA History Series<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/history-publications-and-resources\/news-and-notes\/\">News and Notes<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/history-publications-and-resources\/aeronautics-and-space-report-of-the-president\/\">Aeronautics and Space Report of the President<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/history-publications-and-resources\/oral-histories\/\">Oral Histories<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/history-publications-and-resources\/other-research-resources\/\">Research Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/archives\/\">NASA Archives<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full maxw-full width-full padding-0 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-page-intro\">\n\t<div class=\"padding-0 bg-spacesuit-white wp-block-nasa-blocks-page-intro\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-page-intro hds-page-intro-banner width-full maxw-full padding-0 hds-cover-wrapper minh-tablet\">\n\t\t<div class=\"hds-foreground-wrapper display-flex\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-container grid-container-block margin-top-auto margin-bottom-auto width-full maxw-desktop-lg padding-top-9 padding-x-3 z-400\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6 desktop:padding-right-4 margin-bottom-3 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"page-heading-md line-height-sm color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhite Sands Test Facility History\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p-lg color-carbon-30-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOriginally part of the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range, what is now known as the White Sands Test Facility was transferred to NASA in 1962 to test the Apollo Command Module and lunar descent engines.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6 desktop:padding-right-4 margin-bottom-3 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-left mobile-skrim-top z-200\"><\/div>\n\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Workers use scaffolding to install a billboard that says National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Apollo with an arrow pointing to the left.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg?resize=300,185 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg?resize=768,473 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg?resize=1024,631 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg?resize=400,246 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg?resize=600,369 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg?resize=900,554 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Beginning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On July 6, 1962, NASA Headquarters announced the site selection for the Johnson Space Center\u2019s Propulsion Systems Development Facility. The name of the site was changed to White Sands Operations and renamed again in June 1965 to the White Sands Test Facility.  Our site was chosen for its isolated location and topography to minimize the inherent hazards of aerospace propulsion testing to the general population.  Located east of Las Cruces, New Mexico, the 28 square miles of controlled access, remote property was an ideal setting for testing. The U.S. Army\u2019s White Sands Missile Range also adjoins the mountain range, creating a federally protected corridor of public safety and limited access.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_propulsion_earlyconstruction.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_propulsion_earlyconstruction.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Aerial view of the Apollo Service Module Test Area began in 1963.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_propulsion_earlyconstruction.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_propulsion_earlyconstruction.jpg?resize=300,159 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_propulsion_earlyconstruction.jpg?resize=768,406 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_propulsion_earlyconstruction.jpg?resize=1024,541 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_propulsion_earlyconstruction.jpg?resize=400,211 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_propulsion_earlyconstruction.jpg?resize=600,317 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_propulsion_earlyconstruction.jpg?resize=900,476 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Early construction of the Apollo Service Module Test Area began in 1963.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA \/ WSTF<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The primary mission of the new site was to test rocket propulsion systems for the Apollo spacecraft (Command\/Service Module and Lunar Module). Construction began in May of 1963 and the first test firing of the 20,000 lb thrust rocket engine for the Apollo Service Module was conducted on September 22, 1964. Since this first engine firing, we have tested over 700 rocket engines in more than 4 million firings and counting.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_apollocms.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_apollocms.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"On September 24, 1964, the Command Service Module engine was tested with its aluminum alloy prototype.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_apollocms.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_apollocms.jpg?resize=260,300 260w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_apollocms.jpg?resize=768,885 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_apollocms.jpg?resize=888,1024 888w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_apollocms.jpg?resize=347,400 347w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_apollocms.jpg?resize=521,600 521w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/wstf_apollocms.jpg?resize=781,900 781w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">On September 24, 1964, the Command Service Module engine was tested with its aluminum alloy prototype.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA \/ WSTF<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Apollo 204 spacecraft fire that took the lives of three astronauts in 1967 was traced to workmanship and materials issues in a pure oxygen environment. In the wake of this incident, extensive materials testing began at White Sands. Its laboratories began working to determine suitability of materials and components for use in their intended environment, particularly ignition and flammability upon exposure to cryogenic and hypergolic propellants and oxygen-enriched atmospheres. Ranging from checks of the flammability and odor emissions of crew clothing to exhaustive testing of piping and wiring, more than 90 percent of all the nonmetallic materials, including payloads flown during the Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs were tested at our facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Propulsion Testing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the first rocket engine test in 1964, White Sands Test Facility has tested over 700 rocket engines in more than 4 million firings for NASA, other government agencies, and private industry. Our Propulsion Test Areas (300 area and 400 area) were originally constructed to test the engines planned for the Apollo Command and Service Module (CSM) and the Lunar Module (LM). The 300 Area was constructed first, and in September 1964 the first firing test of the main rocket engine planned for the Apollo CSM was conducted. Later, the LM\u2019s descent engine that allowed the craft to land softly on the Moon, and the ascent engine that launched the craft from the lunar surface, were both certified for flight after hundreds of firings in the 400 Area. The reaction control systems for both spacecraft, and the small thrusters which control the module\u2019s position, were also certified for flight. In 1972, the final descent phase of the Project Viking Lander was simulated to evaluate the effects of the descent engine on simulated Martian surfaces. The effects of different rocket engine exhaust products were evaluated during these tests resulting in recommendations for design changes which were incorporated into the Lander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fleet Leader Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon successful completion of the Apollo propulsion systems tests, our propulsion test facilities were refurbished in preparation for the required shuttle orbiter propulsion systems development and qualification testing. Modifications of the propulsion test stands, their ground support equipment, and their facility interfaces were necessary to accommodate different propellants, flow rates, pressurization, and storage requirements. The White Sands test Facility Fleet Leader Program played a vital role in NASA\u2019s ability to detect, predict, and prevent orbital maneuvering subsystem (OMS) and reaction control subsystem (RCS) life-dependent failures and anomalies before they affected the shuttle fleet. We performed comprehensive test article functional tests that simulated orbiter flight and maintenance downtime period activities, and special propulsion subsystem tests, using all of the Fleet Leader test articles.One of NASA\u2019s early challenges was to understand the effect of using a leaking thruster on orbit. The Fleet Leader Aft Reaction Control Subsystem (ARCS) and Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) test articles were used to perform real-time anomaly testing to understand the effects of firing a leaking thruster and the impacts it would have on the subsystems for the shuttle program to determine whether a shuttle in orbit could successfully and safely fire a leaking thruster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another challenge the Space Shuttle Program faced was dealing with chips and chip growth in the thruster chamber coatings. The ARCS Fleet Leader test article was used to test several thrusters with natural and man-made chips in the chambers to gather data on chip generation and chip growth. The data obtained during these tests allowed the program to better address chips in thruster chambers and make informed decisions on whether a thruster with chips was still serviceable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Space Shuttle Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Testing of space shuttle orbital maneuvering system (OMS) engine technology and prototype engines began in 1973, and candidate OMS engines from four manufacturers were tested at our facility to select the engine manufacturer and define baseline data in the official OMS engine design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From 1974 through 1977, we modified and improved our site’s propulsion test facilities to accommodate extensive testing of the space shuttle propulsion systems, including propellant supply systems, the altitude system, electrical and data systems, articulated thrust structures, and moveable shelters. We also conducted development and qualification testing on the space shuttle OMS engines, forward and aft reaction control system (RCS) engines, and integrated propulsion systems. White Sands Test Facility tested and evaluated spacecraft materials and components, and propulsion systems for the space shuttles. Repair, refurbishment, and decontamination processes were provided for shuttle flight and ground components and our employees  worked on numerous projects that kept the space shuttle flying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Space Shuttle Fleet Leader Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Space Shuttle Fleet Leader Program simulated the mission duty flights of the orbital maneuvering subsystem shuttle engines to foresee any anomalies prior to actual flights. Numerous full\u2010scale propulsion systems for the space shuttle orbiter were developed and qualified through exhaustive simulated mission duty cycle testing. We also evaluated, upgraded, or redesigned shuttle orbiter components to extend service life, enhance performance, and improve mission safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>White Sands was certified to perform precision cleaning and depot\u2010level refurbishment of shuttle OMS engines, RCS thrusters, and several other flight\u2010critical propulsion system components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We continued to support the space shuttle with cost-effective projects that improved vehicle processing and resolved problems. New hardware and methods were developed and implemented to flush contaminants from primary reaction control system (PRCS) thrusters, to prevent iron nitrate deposition in nitrogen tetroxide systems, and to check out propellant tanks at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Development efforts and qualification testing of improved systems were performed for items such as long\u2010life vernier thrusters, the thermal instability protection system for the PRCS thrusters, the PRCS direct\u2010acting valve, the redesign of the pilot\u2010operated valve (POV), and the atmospheric revitalization and pressure control subsystem panels. Test investigations of valve stem cracking of the gas generator valve module on the auxiliary power unit and softgoods extrusion in the fuel POVs led to successful resolution of those problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Return to Flight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Shuttle flights were halted after the Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003. When NASA requested testing in support of its monumental Return to Flight effort, White Sands Test Facility was prepared. Within weeks we engineered a Low Velocity Launcher test program to test the effects of ice impacts on shuttle thermal tiles. We provided additional Return-to-Flight support by resolving fuel valve seal extrusion concerns, evaluating the impact penetration sensor system, processing shuttle RCS thrusters, and testing other flight essential materials. Space Shuttle Discovery launched from KSC on July 26, 2005, ending the 2 \u00bd year hiatus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">White Sands Space Harbor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>White Sands Space Harbor (WSSH) was used as one of the primary training areas for space shuttle pilots flying practice approaches and landings in the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA), modified to mimic the flight characteristics and instrumentation on the shuttle. The STA provided a very realistic simulation of the shuttle landing from an altitude of about 35,000 ft. through touchdown. Set in dry gypsum lake beds, laser\u2010leveled runways prepared shuttle astronauts for final approaches and landings.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Space Shuttle Columbia is seen landing in the New Mexico desert with mountains in the background.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/S82-28839\/S82-28839~large.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">S82-28839 (30 March 1982) — Seconds from touchdown, the space shuttle Columbia (STS-3), with astronauts Jack R. Lousma and C. Gordon Fullerton aboard, comes into view of a large crowd on hand to greet it at the Northrup strip on White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The successful eight-day mission was the first to end on New Mexico soil. Two T-38 chase planes can be seen in the photograph, while a third (out of view) was carrying the photographer that took this frame with a hand-held camera. Photo credit: NASA<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sts_3_27_415h-82pc-411-3.30.82.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Fullerton, left, and Lousma perform the traditional walkaround of Columbia with Director of Flight Operations George W.S. Abbey.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Fullerton, left, and Lousma perform the\ntraditional walkaround of Columbia with Director of Flight Operations\nGeorge W.S. Abbey at White Sands Space Harbor on March 30, 1982.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"780\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sts_3_28_417-wstf0382_0529-3.30.82.jpg?w=985\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Astronauts Jack Lousma and C. Gordon Fullerton stand at a podium on a stage set up at White Sands Missile Range to address a crowd that has come to greet them on their return from STS-3\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 52% 26%; object-position: 52% 26%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sts_3_28_417-wstf0382_0529-3.30.82.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sts_3_28_417-wstf0382_0529-3.30.82.jpg?resize=300,238 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sts_3_28_417-wstf0382_0529-3.30.82.jpg?resize=768,608 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sts_3_28_417-wstf0382_0529-3.30.82.jpg?resize=400,317 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sts_3_28_417-wstf0382_0529-3.30.82.jpg?resize=600,475 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/sts_3_28_417-wstf0382_0529-3.30.82.jpg?resize=900,713 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">At Northrup Strip at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, astronauts\nJack R. Lousma, left, and C. Gordon Fullerton address an audience assembled to\nwelcome them home.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Located on the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), northeast of the NASA White Sands Test Facility, WSSH was originally called Northrup Strip and was chosen as a backup landing site in case of inclement weather at Edwards Air Force Base, California. On March 30, 1982, it was used as a landing site for Space Shuttle Columbia as it returned from its third orbital test flight. After that landing, former Apollo astronaut and New Mexico Senator Jack Schmitt introduced legislation in Congress to change the name from Northrup Strip to White Sands Space Harbor. The space harbor runways, navigational aids, and control facilities continuously stood ready providing contingency landing support for every shuttle mission. After the end of the Space Shuttle Program in 2011, WSSH was mothballed and in the summer of 2012 released the use of the property to WSMR. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Added to the WSTF site in 1993, the Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory was designed to safely handle and test hazardous test articles, making it unique within NASA. This facility is capable of simulating micrometeoroid and orbital debris impacts on spacecraft materials and components. Test articles can be pressurized, electrically energized, and thermally conditioned. A site\u2010wide hazardous fluid handling and disposal network also allows toxic and explosive targets such as batteries, aerospace fluids, and pressurized containers to be safely evaluated in a controlled laboratory environment. <\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wstf0107e00518.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"846\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wstf0107e00518.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"The Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory at White Sands Test Facility\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wstf0107e00518.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wstf0107e00518.jpg?resize=300,244 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wstf0107e00518.jpg?resize=768,624 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wstf0107e00518.jpg?resize=1024,832 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wstf0107e00518.jpg?resize=400,325 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wstf0107e00518.jpg?resize=600,488 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wstf0107e00518.jpg?resize=900,731 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory at White Sands Test Facility<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Our test team has consistently performed over 600 shots per year with four two\u2010stage light gas gun and perform the necessary gun performance analysis and pretest validation shots to ensure that the projectile velocities are within \u00b10.20 km\/s.  All testing is performed within the NASA Calibration and Quality Assurance programs to provide top quality data to our customers. The Measurement Standards and Calibration Laboratory ensures that measurement devices used on our test systems are accurate by calibrating to standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The lab is certified to meet the ISO 9001 Standard and is compliant with AS 9100.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-topic-cards nasa-gb-align-full maxw-full width-full padding-y-6 padding-x-3 color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-topic-cards\">\t\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block-lg padding-x-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-2\">Keep Exploring<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-36 line-height-sm\">Discover More Topics From NASA<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2 hds-topic-cards-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/white-sands-test-facility\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>White Sands Test Facility<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"694\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/wstf0606e04192_jpg.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/wstf0606e04192_jpg.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/wstf0606e04192_jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/wstf0606e04192_jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/wstf0606e04192_jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/wstf0606e04192_jpg.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/wstf0606e04192_jpg.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/wstf0606e04192_jpg.jpg?resize=900,600 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Humans in Space<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/plugins\/nasa-blocks\/assets\/images\/topic-cards\/topic-card-sample-2.jpg\" ><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>NASA History<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"983\" height=\"1223\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?w=983\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg 983w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=241,300 241w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=768,956 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=823,1024 823w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=322,400 322w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=482,600 482w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=723,900 723w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/as11-40-5903_alt2.jpg?resize=965,1200 965w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/stennis\/engineering-and-test-directorate\/test-complex\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Multi-User Test Complex<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1460\" height=\"812\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/test-complex-canal-drone.png?w=1460\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/test-complex-canal-drone.png 1460w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/test-complex-canal-drone.png?resize=300,167 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/test-complex-canal-drone.png?resize=768,427 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/test-complex-canal-drone.png?resize=1024,570 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/test-complex-canal-drone.png?resize=400,222 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/test-complex-canal-drone.png?resize=600,334 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/test-complex-canal-drone.png?resize=900,501 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/test-complex-canal-drone.png?resize=1200,667 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1460px) 100vw, 1460px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Beginning On July 6, 1962, NASA Headquarters announced the site selection for the Johnson Space Center\u2019s Propulsion Systems Development Facility. The name of the site was changed to White Sands Operations and renamed again in June 1965 to the White Sands Test Facility.  Our site was chosen for its isolated location and topography to [...]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":154561,"parent":165444,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[]},"categories":[2671,2873],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[11519,11520,12217,10836],"coauthors":[8393],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"WebPage","headline":"White Sands Test Facility History","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/white-sands-test-facility\/white-sands-test-facility-history\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/white-sands-test-facility\/white-sands-test-facility-history\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg"},"articleSection":"NASA History","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Michele Ostovar"}],"creator":["Michele Ostovar"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["NASA Centers & Facilities","White Sands Test Facility","NASA History"],"dateCreated":"2023-02-28T22:55:55Z","datePublished":"2023-02-28T22:55:55Z","dateModified":"2023-06-16T23:24:54Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"White Sands Test Facility History\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/white-sands-test-facility\/white-sands-test-facility-history\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"index\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2023-02-28T22:55:55Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"NASA History\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"NASA Centers & Facilities,White Sands Test Facility,NASA History\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Michele Ostovar\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":9,"time_ago":"1 year","featured_image":{"id":154561,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/untitled-2_2.jpg","title":"WSTF Construction","alt":"Workers use scaffolding to install a billboard that says National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Apollo with an arrow pointing to the left.","caption":"Construction of the White Sands Test Facility began in 1963."},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic\/195214"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/topic"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic\/195214\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":473091,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic\/195214\/revisions\/473091"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic\/165444"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/154561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=195214"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=195214"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=195214"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=195214"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=195214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}