Page/SST Planners provided detailed programming and lab fit-up for a new Space Exploration Sciences Building on NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The project allows for the efficient collocation of the space sciences directorate along with the laboratory for high energy astrophysics, laboratory for astronomy and solar physics and the laboratory for extraterrestrial physics into modern appropriately designed facilities. The building includes nearly 60 laboratories which are used to study a variety of scientific fields including microwave, infrared, optical, UV, x-ray, gamma-ray and cosmic ray astronomy and astrophysics. Designed by Ewing Cole, the Exploration Sciences Building was the first at the GSFC to receive LEED Gold certification.

With its state-of-the-art electronics, computer, chemistry labs, clean rooms (class 1000, 10,000 and 100,000), high bay spaces and modern offices, the new building is a major component of the GSFC Facilities Master Plan and contributes to the goals of the Strategic Implementation Plan. This project has enabled NASA to strengthen and advance its worldwide leadership role in the space sciences for the coming decades. The facility emphasizes utilities and materials distribution, laboratory flexibility over time and the provision of discrete lab support to dedicated research lab space. The labs are functional, flexible, economical to maintain, attractive and safe.