Deluge Days

NASA’s launch water deluge system is a major expense in its infrastructure operations.

As of early 2024, NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) program—which includes Ignition Overpressure and Sound Suppression systems that rely heavily on water—was projected to cost $3.7 billion from FY 2023 through FY 2029.

On Launch Pad 39B, for example, up to 450,000 gallons of water are released during a wet flow test, and actual launches use similar volumes per event.