The Advanced Materials and Thermal Sciences Center in California. Photo: Lockheed Martin

[Via Satellite 03-26-2014] The Lockheed Martin Space Systems Advanced Technology Center (ATC) has opened a new laboratory building to host research and development in emerging technology areas including 3-D printing, energetics, thermal sciences, nanotechnology, synthesis, high temperature materials and advanced devices. The Advanced Materials and Thermal Sciences Center will house 130 engineers, scientists and staff in 82,000 square feet of space. “This magnificent new facility will be home to many of the innovative technologies that will help shape the future of space payloads, satellites and missile systems,” said Kenneth Washington, vice president of the ATC. “Scientists and engineers here are creating advanced materials like our CuantumFuse nano-copper, which promises to make more reliable electrical connections in space and other applications. We’re also perfecting technologies to manage the heat generated by on-board satellite sensors. Our new microcryocooler is the smallest satellite cooler ever developed, another example of the ground-breaking technologies we’re advancing in this lab.”

The new building complies with a Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council that recognizes building strategies and practices including water and energy efficiency,  atmospheric quality, use of materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovations in upgrades, operations and maintenance. The council’s building rating system is a voluntary national standard for high-performance sustainable buildings.