NASA,Soil Remediation at White Sands Test Facility

Soil Remediation at White Sands Test Facility

January 6, 2025

Washington, D.C. – NASA is partnering with the U.S. Army to clean up contaminated soil at the White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) in New Mexico. The project is part of NASA’s broader efforts to restore and protect the environment at its facilities.

The WSTF is a large-scale testing facility for NASA’s rockets and spacecraft. Over the years, the facility has been used for a variety of activities, including the testing of solid-propellant rockets. These rockets produce a number of hazardous chemicals, including perchlorate, which is a potential health hazard.

Perchlorate is a chemical that can interfere with the thyroid gland’s ability to produce hormones. In high doses, perchlorate can cause a number of health problems, including thyroid disease, developmental problems, and reproductive problems.

The soil at the WSTF has been contaminated with perchlorate from the testing of solid-propellant rockets. The contamination is primarily located in the area around the launch pads and test stands.

NASA and the Army are working together to clean up the contaminated soil. The project is expected to take several years to complete.

The cleanup process will involve excavating the contaminated soil and treating it to remove the perchlorate. The treated soil will then be returned to the site.

The cleanup project is a major undertaking, but it is an important step in protecting the environment and the health of the people who live and work near the WSTF.

Additional Information

• The WSTF is located in the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico.
• The facility is home to a variety of test facilities, including the Vertical Integration Facility, the Horizontal Integration Facility, and the Launch Complex 32.
• The WSTF has been used for the testing of a variety of NASA rockets and spacecraft, including the Saturn V rocket, the Space Shuttle, and the Orion spacecraft.
• The cleanup project is expected to cost approximately $100 million.
• The cleanup project is being funded by NASA and the Army.
• The cleanup project is expected to be completed by 2030.

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NASA a new article on 2025-01-06 18:16 titled “Soil Remediation at White Sands Test Facility”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.

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