Neutral Buoyancy Space Simulator
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| Neutral Buoyancy Space Simulator | |
|---|---|
| (U.S. National Historic Landmark) | |
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| Location: | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Coordinates: | Coordinates: |
| Built/Founded: | 1955 |
| Architect: | U.S. Army; NASA |
| Designated as NHL: | October 3, 1985[1] |
| Added to NRHP: | October 3, 1985[2] |
| NRHP Reference#: | 85002807 |
| Governing body: | National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
The Neutral Buoyancy Space Simulator is located in Building 4705 at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, United States. It was designed by the US Army in 1955 to provide a simulated zero-gravity environment in which engineers, designers and astronauts could perform for extended periods of time in simulated environment of outer space. Due to its capability to support research and testing of operational techniques and materials needed to successfully perform space-manned missions, the Neutral Buoyancy Simulator contributed significantly to the American manned space program. Projects Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and the Space Shuttle have all benefited from the Neutral Buoyancy Simulator. Until the mid-1970s, when an additional facility was constructed at the Johnson Space Center to support the Space Shuttle Program, this facility was the only test facility that allowed astronauts to become familiar with the dynamics of body motion under weightless conditions.
Within the heart of the simulator is a large water tank, 75 feet (23 m) in diameter and 40 feet (12 m) deep. The water within the simulator is temperature controlled, continuously recirculated and filtered. Special systems are integrated into the tank for underwater audio and video, pressure-suit environmental control and emergency rescue and treatment. Life support is simultaneously provided by these systems for up to four pressure-suited subjects. Additional systems include date acquisition and recording, underwater lighting, special underwater pneumatic and electrical power operations of motor, valves, controls, and indicators that are required for high fidelity and functional engineering mockups and trainers.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1985.[1][3]
It is located in Building 4705 of the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b Neutral Buoyancy Space Simulator. National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
- ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
- ^ Butowsky, Harry A. (May 15, 1984), National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Neutral Buoyancy Space SimulatorPDF (217 KiB), National Park Service and Accompanying 7 photos, from 1984 and 1980.PDF (767 KiB)
[edit] External links
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