I only knew about Johnson Space Center and Kennedy Space Center. Finnie now is one of five civil servants mechanics at the Ames arc jet complex. We operate the tunnel under the conditions that the principal investigators specify. Finnie walked around the test equipment that makes up the arc jet. We use argon gas and air which go into the test chamber.
Electricity heats the gases to re-entry temperatures.
Finnie is pursuing many outside interests while also working towards a degree in mechanical engineering at Foothill College. I feel an engineer should spend time in a facility working with mechanics to understand what it takes to work on real things. I'm working toward my degree one class at a time. I still have a way to go. We see NASA helping engineers to go to school for advanced degrees.