Nasa and the University of California at Berkeley are to collaborate on the development of a 36-acre site in San Jose for research into aviation and space exploration.
The 1.4 million sq ft Berkeley Space Centre will be built on land leased from Nasa and will accommodate facilities for companies active in the field, as well as Berkeley researchers.
The project will be built by San Francisco developer SKS Partners and designed by HOK and Field Operations.
The subject of research could include AI, vertiports and drones.
The site will also contain 18 acres of open space. Later phases will add short-stay facilities as well as student and faculty housing.
Gavin Newsom, California’s governor, said: “California’s innovation and drive is not limited to Earth. Berkeley Space Centre will help lead the state’s space tech development by bringing together leaders in academia, government and industry to foster new technologies and breakthroughs.”
Carol Christ, Berkeley’s chancellor, said: “We are thrilled by the prospect of collaborations that can speed the translation of discoveries by our world-class research enterprises.”
Green features of the project include photovoltaic panels, water recycling and the diversion of onsite waste. The project is pursuing LEED certification.
Construction on the centre is due to begin in 2026.
