Rocket Engine Test Facility Renovation

Project Overview

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) needed increased testing capabilities for a new patented engine and sought to restore and renovate the facilities and site at its Badger Army Ammunition Depot campus. In addition to the upgrades of existing facilities, SNC planned for one new test cell. On May 29, 2019, SNC held a public viewing of a test-fire of its patented VORTEX® rocket engine, showcasing next-generation technology available to NASA, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and commercial launch companies.

ACS Solution

ACS began working on the project in 2015 and through a phased approach managed the entire site renovation and expansion, including engineering and building custom controls solutions, to deliver a fully integrated facility.

The project consisted of upgrading the existing testing facilities, infrastructure, controls, test equipment and site as well as designing and managing the construction of an entire new test cell. ACS worked with more than 40 Wisconsin companies to complete the project, including design professionals and material suppliers.

Key Features

• Ability to test vertical and horizontal positions and multiple fuels
• Fuel farm upgrade
• Underground sound suppression system and cooling system
• Remote control room is connected via CCTV and PLC communications

ACS Services

Phased turnkey project delivery including site evaluation and remediation; civil, architectural/structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design engineering; process piping modeling and coordination; controls including PLC panel design, fabrication, and install