The need for an advanced ground-based, propulsion test facility was identified by a joint NASA and Department of Defense Aeronautics and Astronautics Coordinating Board in the 1960s. The Aero-propulsion Systems Test Facility was specifically designed for testing integrated, full-scale propulsion systems under simulated flight conditions. Construction begun in 1977 and took seven years to complete. Following integration and activation, the facility reached initial operational capability in September 1985.
