RFI-KSC-LETF-2025_Amend 03_Questions-Answers.pdf

RFI-KSC-LETF-2025 AMENDMENT 03

QUESTIONS AND NASA RESPONSES

INTRODUCTION

NASA received the following questions regarding the Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF) between June 3, 2025, and July 11, 2025. NASA’s responds as follows—

1. If the facility can accommodate a 16k gallon tanker with LH2, what is the maximum volume allwed on site?

RESPONSE:

Per NASA-STD-8719.12, the maximum allowable quantity of LH2 in the LETF is specified in weight to be no more than 10,000 lbs which equates to 16,949 gallons of LH2 assuming a conversion factor of 0.59 lbs/gallon.

2. Can LH2 storage for burn off after a cold flow test be accommodated? What about LN2 disposal following cold flow?

Securing from Liquid Hydrogen operations requires LETF cryo system to be inerted to less than 1% H2 prior to dropping the 600 ft. radius control area. This is performed using gaseous helium purges into the LETF cryo system for temperatures colder than -300 deg F, or gaseous nitrogen purges into the LETF cryo system for temperatures warmer than -300 deg F. Securing from Liquid Nitrogen operations requires gaseous nitrogen purges until the LETF cryo system temperatures are warmer than -300 deg F.

3. If the facility cannot flow LH2 at a high rate due to not having a flare stak, then what does adding this capability look like?

The LETF liquid hydrogen flowrate requirement is associated with the maximum allowable hydrogen exhaust to atmosphere to stay under the flammability concentration. Addition of a flare stack to the facility would alleviate that concern. An analysis would need to be performed to determine the maximum allowable hydrogen flow rate with the use of the added flare stack.

4. Other NASA sites impose steep penalties for schedule slips. How flexible is the KSC LETF schedule?

NASA KSC is an operational Spaceport with a dynamic and fluid schedule to support those operations. As such proper scheduling and coordination of activities is a high priority for

RFI-KSC-LETF-2025 AMENDMENT 03

QUESTIONS AND NASA RESPONSES

KSC and the facilities in which we operate. Understanding the dynamic nature of activities as KSC our team strives to navigate and balance changes to operational schedules as best as practicable. Imposing of financial penalties are directly correlated to the costs associated with the partner operations and potentially the impacted operations as a result of the slip.

NASA reimbursable authority limits the Agency to full cost reimbursement. Therefore, all charges that result from schedule slips will be directly related to costs incurred by the government and must be reimbursed by the partner.

5. How is scheduling prioritized? How easy is it to get bumped?

Scheduling is prioritized based on numerous customer and facility requirements. Currently, daily scheduling meetings are held with LETF Customers to ensure the facility sufficiently supports the various Customer test requirements. Issues with facility support or test conflicts are identified and resolved during the scheduling meeting unless there are extenuating circumstances that require additional discussions.

6. Is NASA open to considering exclusive use of the LETF that includes allowing the tenant to operate the ground systems?

The LETF is a NASA Engineering Facility and would require Certified / Qualified personnel to operate the LETF Infrastructure due to its inherent hazards (high energy, high voltage, hazardous commodities, high pressure gas systems, etc.). Exclusive use of the LETF would require the Tenant to have Qualified / Certified personnel to operate the LETF systems.

INTRODUCTION