Work on the design of the facility began in 1954 under the auspices of NACA's Rocket Branch of the Fuels and Combustion Research Division.

The A stand had the capability of testing engines with chamber pressures up to 4300 psia and thrust levels up to 50,000 pounds.

The support systems included storage dewars for cryogenic fuels and a large water reservoir.

In 1984 the facility was modified to provide the capability for testing extremely large area ratio nozzles (to 1000:1).

It was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1985, because of its significant role in the development of liquid hydrogen as a rocket fuel.