The SPF was designed to test nuclear and nonnuclear space hardware in a simulated low-Earth-orbit environment.
Description The Space Power Facility (SPF) houses the world's largest space environment simulation chamber, measuring 100 ft. in diameter by 122 ft. high. In this chamber, large space-bound hardware can be tested in a severe environment similar to that encountered in space. The facility can sustain a high vacuum; simulate solar radiation via a 4-MW quartz heat lamp array, solar spectrum by a 400-kW arc lamp, and cold environments with a variable geometry cryogenic cold shroud.
Name:
Space Power Facility
Test Area:
100 ft diameter by 122 ft high
Key Features:
Thermal vacuum chamber
Inherent vibration isolation
Space simulation facility
Low earth orbit plasma simulation
Cryogenic shrouds (cold walls)
Large clean high bays
Accesibility by air, ground, or water transportation
Class 100,000 clean room