NASA Underwater Astronaut Training Tank

Our structural specialists leveraged deep technical expertise and innovative solutions to upgrade this critical and one-of-a-kind training environment.

At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Alabama, SSRG led the complex restoration of a historic underwater astronaut training tank, one of only two remaining NASA tanks in the country. Originally built in 1982, the steel tank is a smaller replica of the underwater tank at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center used to train the astronauts who crewed the Apollo and Gemini missions. The scope extended beyond the 120,000-gallon tank itself to include the adjoining steel mezzanine and tank deck, with the goal of restoring original function while upgrading the facility to meet modern safety and operational standards.

Key elements of the project included:

Removal of a vinyl-insulated liner and adhesive insulation that had been added over the original steel-lined tank
Surface preparation for a new marine-grade coating system
Application of a three-layer, 50-mil PPG epoxy system to restore and protect the tank interior
Installation of overhead lift and hoist systems to enable safer, more efficient transfer of training structures
Grounding the structure for improved safety
Electrical, insulation and drainage upgrades to achieve higher safety and sustainability standards

Innovative solutions for a one-of-a-kind project

During this complex project, our team navigated significant challenges in the liner removal and substrate preparation, utilizing specialized techniques to ensure proper adhesion and long-term durability of the new coating. Working against a tight timeline to accommodate the return of Space Camp and the making of a documentary film, we leveraged deep technical expertise and innovative solutions to ensure every detail met exacting client specifications and extended the life of this unique training space.