James Fesmire of the Engineering Development Directorate at NASA has envisioned this unique facility since 1994. Cryogenic and high vacuum techniques and technology are being used more widely all around the world.

Kennedy Space Center, to better apply cryogenics to our lives in the fields of medicine, biology, food, computers, industry, rocket propulsion and the spaceports of the future, has created the Cryogenics Testbed.

"The goal of the facility is to establish the Cryogenics Testbed at Kennedy Space Center as a main resource for cryogenics and cryogenic engineering," said Fesmire.

"It's often said that it's a long way from the laboratory to the marketplace. In a similar way, it's a big jump from the laboratory to outer space. That niche is the testbed. We aim to fill the gap by bringing together under one virtual roof the elements of research, engineering, operations and industry," said Fesmire.

NASA, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and the University of Florida partnered with Dynacs Engineering Co. to set in motion the development of the Cryogenics Testbed.

The State of Florida invested $750,000 for facility design and construction. NASA contributed $1.56 million for test support equipment.

Dynacs invested $20,000 for start-up and marketing. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and the University of Florida offered consulting support and analysis to Dynacs as they created a business model for customers desiring such services. NASA and Dynacs Engineering Co. will jointly manage the facility.

KSC's Cryogenics Testbed facilities include the Cryogenics Test Laboratory, Liquid Nitrogen Flow Test Area, Hazardous Test Area and the Launch Equipment Test Facility.

There are four technology focus areas, or core lines of work, that are linked to key targets of the long-range strategic initiatives of NASA. They include thermal insulation systems, cryogenic components, propellant process systems, and low temperature applications.

"The Cryogenics Testbed Facility is another good example of our progress as a Spaceport Technology Center," said KSC Director Roy Bridges. "This facility will help us advance and commercialize technology in the field of cryogenics."

The special facility was made possible under a jointly funded agreement between Dynacs Engineering Co., Florida Department of Community Affairs and the Technological Research and Development Authority.

Near term activities of the Testbed include outfitting of the facility, conducting core research and developing key projects for aerospace and industry interests.

Potential aerospace areas include exploration initiatives, future vehicles, Space Shuttle upgrades, energy efficient storage, transfer, and use of cryogens and cryogenic propellants on Earth and in space.