Re-designated the
Impact Dynamics Research Facility (IDRF) in 1974, the site was used for research on aircraft crashes until 2003. With limited funding for maintenance, NASA then closed the facility and it was listed for demolition. In 2004, NASA determined that the IDRF could be adapted to support the
Constellation program. It was re-opened in 2005 to conduct landing tests associated with the development of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)
Orion. The facility was renamed the
Landing and Impact Research Facility (LandIR) and minor modifications were made, including a new parallel winch system to support full-scale
Orion testing and a new hydro-impact basin (splashdown pool) below the gantry. Construction of the basin was completed in 2011. After Constellation was cancelled, the LandIR continued performing impact testing since the CEV will be used to service the
International Space Station. The facility was designated a
National Historic Landmark in 1985 for its role in the space program. == Gallery ==