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Special Projects Laboratory

The Special Projects Laboratory (SPL) at NASA GRC played an important role in the center’s aeropropulsion research for over 70 years. The facility, named the Jet Propulsion Static Laboratory (JPSL) from 1944 to 1961, made notable contributions to the center’s propulsion and materials research before being removed in 2018. This website seeks to collect and preserve its history for future research.

History

Ernest King and Jerome Hunsaker.
Early Jet Engines
The Jet Propulsion Static Laboratory (JPSL) was hurriedly built in 1943 to secretly test early U.S. jet engines and afterburners during World War II.
Turbine Cooling
The Jet Propulsion Static Laboratory (JPSL) transitioned to turbine work as turbine cooling became a priority in the late 1940s and 1950s.
Space Activities
In the 1960s, researchers used the Special Projects Laboratory (SPL) to test cryogenic insulation, materials for solid rocket nozzle inserts, technologies ...
Bruce Lundin's discussion on augmentation of jet engines
Turbojet Enhancements
In the post-war years, researchers used the Jet Propulsion Static Laboratory (JPSL) to develop technologies to increase jet engine thrust.
Exhibit in the 10x10 featuring airbreathing engines
New Era In Aero
NASA Lewis Research Center utilized the SPL during the late 1960s and early 1970s for several niche research efforts while slowly introducing materials and ...
Three high-speed burner rigs
Materials Research
A variety of materials test rigs installed in the Special Projects Laboratory (SPL) provided researchers with expedient and economical methods to study ...

Facility

Ingersoll-Rand Compressor in the SPL (1991)
Facility Evolution
Overview of the evolution of the Special Projects Laboratory (SPL) from a static engine facility to a state-of-the art materials laboratory.
Aerial view of the SPL from the northwest
Facility Description
The Jet Propulsion Static Laboratory (JPSL), was a rectangular single-story structure located near the southern edge of the NASA Glenn Research Center. It ...
Split photo showing the exterior or the SPL in 1943 and 2017.
Before and After
This page contrasts views of the Special Projects Laboratory (SPL) during its years of operation with photographs from its final days. NASA materials ...

Research

Researchers operate an engine in Cell 2
Testing Timeline
Lists of tests conducted throughout the years in each of the Special Project Laboratory’s main test cells.
Historical Documents and Reports
Special Projects Laboratory Historic Documents
Digital versions of various historical documents related to the Special Projects Laboratory. These include technical reports, newspaper articles, floor ...

About the History Office

SPC bulkhead.
Historic Preservation
NASA Glenn Research Center has a number of historic facilities, some of which have been demolished in recent years. Many of these sites had not been fully ...
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