(1969-L-02164): This winter 1969 view, complete with a dusting of snow, illustrates how the large vacuum spheres dominate the Hypersonic Facilities Complex. They are 41, 60, and 100 feet in diameter. Spheres were used because their double-curved surfaces strongly resist buckling inward, making them the most structurally efficient shape for large vacuum vessels.

---

Size: 2156px × 1548px
Photo credit: © NC Collections / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: nasa, space