Abstract: Technological test is a core section in the construction of technological facts， which is believed to provide a solid foundation for solving technological disputes. However， the process of a technological test is affected by various social and psychological factors and may lay itself open to suspicion， thus leading to a series of cognitive dilemmas. Based on a case study of technological tests in Americas space shuttle program， this paper analyzes three types of dilemmas， which are caused by the dual function of exploring and persuading assumed by technological tests， the complexity of similarity judgments between test and application contexts， and the uncertainties in test standards and procedures. An appropriate use of these dilemmas may provide a path towards technological democracy.

Key words: technological test, epistemology, space shuttle