AEDC contributes to Tennessee space discoveries by exploring the frontiers of space

  • Published
  • By Raquel March
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  Tennesseans will take the opportunity, Jan. 26 - Feb. 1, to explore the state's contributions to space exploration during Tennessee Space Week.

Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) began supporting space exploration efforts in the late-1950s and has continued into the 21 century.

AEDC engineers and scientist tested space vehicles in the early years such as the project Mercury, Gemini and Apollo to the Space Shuttle, the Global Positioning System, the GOES-M Weather Satellite, the Crew Exploration Vehicle and Ares 1-X.

AEDC has supported the development and integration of these technologies into operational space systems by simulating the expected operational environment and assessing design performance using a variety of center test cells - wind tunnels, thermal vacuum chambers and rocket altitude test cells.