NASA White Sands Test Facility

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland is home to the nation's largest organization of scientists, engineers, and technologists that build spacecraft and instruments to study the earth, sun, solar system, and universe. Scientific missions are carried out from concept, through design, manufacture, test, launch, and operations. To support its science missions, Goddard functions as a full-spectrum, end-to-end research and development laboratory. Goddard's Integration and Test Complex is one of the most comprehensive and capable spaceflight test facilities within the United States Government.

 

Code 549

 

The Environmental Test Engineering and Integration Branch is equipped with the technology and full-service support required to satisfy the test qualification requirements of a spacecraft or instrument. Code 549 designs and builds the test set-ups, develops and directs test procedures, and operates state-of-the-art facilities to meet the goals of each test. The Branch designs and fabricates Ground Support Equipment (GSE), such as mechanical fixtures, thermal support equipment, and temperature sensors. The GSE is essential for creating the pre-launch, launch, and on-orbit environments required to successfully test and qualify flight hardware. Cleanrooms are provided for hardware assembly. As a technical interface between flight projects and test facilities, Code 549 provides support during all phases of the project lifecycle, from concept to launch. The Branch operates and manages facilities in the areas of structural dynamics, electromagnetics, and space simulation testing.