NASA – Altitude Combustion Stand

The ACS facility provides a system to test combustion components at a simulated altitude. The facility is equipped with an axial thrust stand, gaseous and cryogenic liquid propellant feed systems, water-cooled diffuser, data acquisition systems, video recording systems, facility control system, spray cooler and multi-stage vacuum ejector system. This facility has been used for testing since 2009. Propellant capabilities include GH2, GO2, LH2, LO2 and LCH4. The system can accommodate engines up to 2,000 pounds of thrust and combustion chamber pressure to 1,000 psia. Depending on the size, engines can be fired at sea level or into a test tank that is evacuated to simulated altitude up to 100,000 feet.