Beez and I were out for a drive a couple of weeks ago, and thought we'd pop over to the White Sands Test Facility, located just across the Jornada Basin from the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. When we've hiked around the park, we've looked over toward the Facility, so we were looking forward to seeing it a little closer up.
Silly me. Silly us. This is the sign that greeted us at the Baylor Canyon Road exit just off Highway 70:
Here is what the website says: Since WSTF is a protected and hazardous testing facility, it is not open to the general public. Employees and authorized visitors can only enter the facility with appropriate badges and photo identification.
Here is what they are doing out there where we didn't visit, according to the same website:
White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) conducts simulated mission duty cycle testing to develop numerous full-scale propulsion systems. These systems have been developed for the Apollo Service Propulsion and Lunar modules, Shuttle Orbiter, and the International Space Station (ISS). Additionally, we evaluate upgraded or redesigned shuttle orbiter components to extend service life, enhance performance, and improve mission safety. WSTF is formally certified to perform precision cleaning and depot-level refurbishment of flight-critical propulsion systems components.
The scientific investigation of explosion phenomena at WSTF is aimed at improving safety at launch facilities and other areas where hazardous materials are used. Ultra-high-speed instrumentation helps better define safety and structural requirements for new and existing launch facilities by measuring the effects of exploding liquid and solid propellants.
That's some pretty exciting stuff. I'm kind of glad we didn't get any closer.
5 comments:
But, was it a nice drive over there and back ?
JC, it was a wonderful drive. We went from the south end of Baylor Canyon Road, which is part gravel road and runs along the base of the Organ Mountains. It's beautiful--great views of the city and of other mountain ranges, and lots of interesting plants and flowers. Sometimes we go up there in the early evening and there is so much wildlife out in the coolness that we have to drive at about 5 mph.
Ever since visiting Roswell, I've been watching old Xfiles episodes... it definitely makes one think about all the secrets the govt keeps. Back in the day when they were developing the bomb at Los Alamos, there were many workers there that had no idea what exactly they were taking part in. It is interesting to say the least.
Good they left a friendly little sign out for you! Deep you hear a deep voice say, "Back awaaaay from the fence, please. Back awaaaay from the fence."
Your comment on JC's comment was interesting, too. Love it when I'm late getting in and read your comments on comments!! You set a standard I find difficult to maintain, though! hehe
The sign certainly does not mince any words!
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