The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently developing an economical space transportation system known as the Space Shuttle. Various ground support equipment (GSE) has to perform critical functions to assure a successful launch of the Shuttle vehicle. In order to test this equipment under simulated launch conditions, NASA is activating a Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF). This facility will simulate effects such as vehicle deflections and oscillations at the pad, rain, cryogenic shrinkage, vehicle lift-off, and solar heating. A physical description of the LETF and its cost-effective utilization is provided in this paper. Test articles, test categories, and test descriptions are detailed. Particular emphasis is placed on simulation equipment and conditions.