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NASA Demolishing Old Rocket Test Stand at Marshall

NASA

The nation's space agency is tearing down a rocket test stand in Huntsville that was once used by engineers working to send astronauts to the moon.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration says workers will use explosives to demolish the concrete towers of Test Stand 4696 at Redstone Arsenal near Huntsville on Friday.

The 239-foot-tall tower was built in 1962 to test F-1 engines, which helped power Saturn V rockets to the moon. Documents show it hasn't been used since 1969, the year astronauts first landed on the lunar surface.

NASA says people around Redstone Arsenal might be able to hear explosions that will be used to demolish the tower.

NASA wants to tear down the stand to save on maintenance and to free up space for newer facilities.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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