Science Processing and Ammonia Vapor Containment Facility

NASA needed additional processing space and capabilities at the Kennedy Space Center to ensure the success of its Mars 2020 program. Salas O’Brien led Phase 1, including renovating the Flight Crew Equipment Processing Lab to provide additional clean room laboratory space and redesigning the kitchen to create seven extra Science Processing Areas. The design scope grew due to the Ammonia Vapor Containment Facility (VCF) needing to stay operational during complete construction. Therefore, we included a 20-foot expansion of the VCF without an increase to the budget. We also provided design specifications to minimize utility interruption, including heavy-mil plastic barriers, HVAC pressurization controls, and tie-in plans to interface systems across construction barriers. We modified the sprinkler, fire alarm, plumbing, and HVAC systems to accommodate laboratory equipment. In addition, we provided real-time engineering solutions to ensure continuous functionality within the VCF.