Abstract: A method for safely testing extraction systems is developed which allows repeated, reliable and safe actuation of the Extraction Force Transfer Coupling under external load. The unique test set-up invented to perform this testing is described as well as the features of this test rig that are not present in prior art. This novel set-up can be used to characterize the EFTC over a range of external loads and pull angles. It can also be tailored for unique as well as off-nominal EFTC configurations.