Overview

The Atmospheric Exposure Site is located at latitude 28.7° N, longitude 80.6° W, and is approximately 100 feet from the high tide line directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The site has approximately 600 feet of front row exposure for atmospheric corrosion specimens. Many types of test samples can be accommodated, including standard size test coupons (4"x 6"), stress corrosion cracking specimens and full-scale test articles. These experiments can be performed in either a boldly exposed or sheltered configuration. Both power and data connections are available within the site to power test articles and record onboard data instrumentation outputs. Over the years, thousands of coated test panels, stress corrosion cracking specimens, non-metallic materials, and commercially produced products have been evaluated in the high salt, high humidity, and high ultraviolet Florida seacoast environment. Results from these evaluations have helped KSC find new materials and processes that increase the safety and reliability of our launch structures and ground support equipment. A weather station that provides continuous information on air temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, rainfall, total incident solar radiation, and incident Ultraviolet B radiation levels is located at the site.