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For release: 06/20/01
Release #: N01-004
High-tech science center new annex to feature shock-absorbing base, storm-watchers' roof
From its shock-absorbing foundation to its rooftop lightning observatory, the new laboratory annex at the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) in Huntsville, Ala., will offer a state-of-the-art facility for cutting-edge research in multiple science and engineering disciplines.
Photo: Artist's rendition of NSSTC with new annex (NASA)
From its shock-absorbing foundation to its rooftop lightning observatory, the new laboratory annex at the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) in Huntsville, Ala., will offer a state-of-the-art facility for cutting-edge research in multiple science and engineering disciplines.
The 80,000 square-foot (7,432 square-meter) addition, now under construction, will nearly double the size of the NSSTC core facility on Sparkman Drive in Cummings Research Park. Scheduled for completion by summer 2002, it will include custom features to support research activities in space science, Earth sciences, materials science, biotechnology, propulsion, information technology and optics.
Completion of the annex will reunite all the members of the Space Science Research Center with the accommodation of the X-ray Astronomy group headed by Dr. Martin Weisskopf and the Cosmic Ray group headed by Dr. Jim Adams.
The first floor will be constructed with a special "shock-absorbing" foundation to protect sensitive research experiments from disturbances present in virtually every city — such as traffic and wind vibrations.
A high-bay area extending into the second-floor level will give scientists adequate space to develop and assemble the large, balloon borne instruments that will be the prototypes for the next generation of high energy astrophysics space telescopes. These disciplines use X-rays, gamma rays and high-energy particles rather than visible light to study cosmic objects including distant galaxies, quasars and supermassive black holes.
Crowning the new annex will be a glass-encased, observation facility on the center's roof. Built to withstand the strain of severe weather, it will offer an ideal vantage point for observing lightning during thunderstorms. This will help atmospheric scientists in the NSSTC's Global Hydrology and Climate Center build on their existing research of topics including Earth's global water cycle, severe storms and the relationship between lightning and tornadoes.
The new addition also will boast a tropospheric profiling facility — a laboratory with equipment to collect data on virtually all elements in the atmosphere, ranging from cloud particles to aerosol. Scientists will use this information to study severe weather, ozone formation, the greenhouse effect and other topics.
"Research at the NSSTC ranges from pure science to technology development," said Sandy Coleman, operations manager of the NSSTC. "Although our researchers rely heavily on flight experiments to substantiate their research efforts, their in-house activities are integral to shaping concepts and ideas into physical research. Expanding our laboratory resources is a critical step in supporting their efforts."
The NSSTC was formed in 1995, when NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin advocated establishing a new science institute in Huntsville. In August 2000, the partnership to operate the NSSTC was formally endorsed and an agreement signed by Art Stephenson, director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama and U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer of Alabama's 5th Congressional District also were instrumental in the NSSTC's formation.
Today, with its expansion under way, "the annex to the NSSTC will allow NASA and the research universities to include materials and biotechnology-related research at the NSSTC," said Ron Greenwood, director of the Space Science and Technology Alliance -- a group of six research universities including the University of Alabama in Huntsville; Alabama A&M University in Huntsville; Auburn University in Auburn; the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa; the University of Alabama at Birmingham; and the University of South Alabama in Mobile.
"The laboratories and offices will allow additional researchers, faculty and students to be moved into the facility," said Greenwood, who is also vice president of research at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
The new annex will add approximately 150 offices and more than 25 laboratories to the NSSTC complex. At full capacity, the completed NSSTC will top 200,000 square-feet (18,580 square-meters) and house approximately 550 people.
The NSSTC is a partnership between NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the State of Alabama. The State of Alabama is represented by the Space Science and Technology Alliance. The NSSTC is currently developing nationwide interest from universities, industry and other federal agencies to join the NSSTC in future research endeavors.
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