Johnson Space Center (JSC) provides a wide array of space environment simulation test capabilities. 

The altitude chambers are used primarily for development, certification, and parametric testing of life 

support systems for humans in the hostile environment of space. Each altitude chamber is configured 

for a particular type of testing; however, within the chamber's capabilities, the chamber complex may be 

used to perform other types of tests. JSC offers a collection of unique knowledge as to what works well 

within the harsh environment of space and what does not. Test capability is available for both manned and 

unmanned test environments.

Johnson Space Center

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Vacuum Test Facilities (Altitude Chambers)

Services Provided 

• Human-rated testing in a

vacuum environment

• Space suit development testing

• Flight crew training

• Environmental control and life support

system testing

– Metabolic loading to life

support systems

– Parametric testing

– Emergency and mobility

accommodations of

suited crewmember

• Air Revitalization system testing

– Carbon dioxide removal

or reduction

– Oxygen generation

– Trace contaminant control

• Materials and hardware testing

in a vacuum environment
FS-2019-07-JSC-EA033

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER

www.nasa.gov

For the benefit of all

For more information: 

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/

partnerships/JSC-Partnership-Gateway

Point of contact:

JSC Engineering Directorate

jsc-ea-partnerships@mail.nasa.gov

We have developed customer-friendly agreements to streamline business relationships and are eager to share our unique 

facilities and expertise with new customers. We invite your inquiries regarding application or adaptation of our capabilities 

to satisfy your special requirements. Briefings on general or specific subjects of mutual interest can be arranged at JSC or at 

your business site. 

Altitude Test Facility Specifications

Altitude Test Facilities

20-Foot Chamber

The 20-Foot Chamber is a vacuum chamber with two airlocks, a rapid decompression chamber, and removable bulkhead on 

the outer lock compartment. The volume is divided into three levels by non-pressure-bearing diaphragms, which provide 

atmospheric isolation. Chamber configurations can support both long-duration manned habitability and unmanned testing

of life support equipment and systems. 

11-Foot Chamber

The 11-Foot Chamber is equipped with dual airlock compartments of 9 ft and 10 ft used for human testing 

in a vacuum environment and for space suit development. A third compartment, referred to as “cabin” (approximately 260 

ft3 volume), is also available for reduced pressure, manned or unmanned testing. 

The chamber features a treadmill, crew weight relief, and the necessary support systems for reduced 

pressure crew operations.

8-Foot Chamber

The 8-Foot Chamber is primarily used with a canned-man (i.e., a machine to simulate a human metabolism) to test Portable 

Life Support Systems. Canned-man simulators are used primarily to provide controlled metabolic loading to life support

systems under evaluation and for parametric testing.

Space Station Airlock Test Article

The Space Station Airlock chamber was developed to support the International Space Station Program for Airlock and 

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) hardware testing, verification and certification, and flight crew training. 

The chamber is a human-rated, high-fidelity, 1-g Airlock facility that provides flight-like simulation of Airlock 

and EVA operations in pressures ranging from vacuum to 1 atmosphere. 

Facility Internal Volume Pressure Range

8-Foot Chamber 8’ Dia x 14’ L 1 x 10-2 – 760 torr

11-Foot Chamber 11’ Dia x 19’ L 1 x 10-2 – 760 torr

Space Station Airlock

Test Article

Equipment lock: 1,100 ft.3

Crew lock: 310 ft.3

Observer lock: 1,570 ft.3

1 x 10-2 – 760 torr

20-Foot Chamber 20’ Dia x 27.5’ H 1 x 10-2 – 760 torr

Chamber I 18” Dia x 29” L 1 x 10-2 – 760 torr