Nine water, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks have been delivered and installed, with five more water tanks scheduled to arrive in upcoming weeks. The two IPA tanks shown on the left and the three LOX tanks shown on the right are 35,000 gallons each. The four water tanks in the center are 39,000 gallons each. All 14 of the tanks will be used by the chemical steam generators units that will be installed on the A-3 stand for creating simulated altitudes of up to 100,000 feet. The IPA and LOX tanks will fuel the generators; the other tanks will provide the water needed to generate the steam necessary for creating the simulated altitudes. The tanks are 65 to 85 feet tall and weigh 270,000 to 320,000 pounds each. The A-3 Test Stand remains on schedule for completion and activation in 2011.
