Rocket Altitude Test Facilities Register

In the field of rocket propulsion, simulation of environmental parameters in static tests is an important goal, but one which is frequently difficult to achieve if the temperature conditions can be obtained easily, the same is not true of the acceleration stationary or unstationary loads. Another important parameter is the external pressure, especially if the motor is designed for operating at high altitude this is obviously the case for the upper stages of ballistic missiles or satellite launchers and for space-boost motors. Examples of vacuum-related technical problems include precise measurement of specific impulse under vacuum conditions. In investigating this point ARGARDs Propulsion and Energetics panel gathered data related to altitude simulation facilities currently existing in the western world. This document will be useful to all engineers involved in questions dealing with altitude simulation -- for the test engineer in charge of the design of a new facility as well as for the programme manager looking for a test centre capable of testing his motor under altitude simulation before the first flight test. Keywords Vacuum test facility directories Rocket motors.