NASA Aerospace Communications Facility

Cleveland, Ohio, USA

The 54,000-square-foot NASA Aerospace Communications Facility (ACF) is a cutting-edge research center located at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, that consolidates over 80 researchers from seven different buildings. This state-of-the-art facility aims to significantly enhance NASA’s capabilities in developing faster, higher-capacity communications for future space missions. Featuring 25 research laboratories, collaboration spaces, a large RF-shielded high bay area and rooftop and ground-based antenna fields, the cutting-edge facility is designed to advance research in radio frequency and optical communication technologies, which are crucial for NASA’s Artemis and Advanced Air Mobility missions.  

The NASA Aerospace Communications Facility features a variety of Kawneer’s architectural aluminum systems, which all play a vital role in the project. These include our Clearwall® Curtain Wall System, Trifab® 451UT Framing System, 1600UT System™1 Curtain Wall, 500 Standard Entrances and 500T Insulpour® Thermal Entrances. 

By incorporating these advanced Kawneer systems into the project’s design, the NASA Aerospace Communications Facility not only achieves superior thermal performance and energy efficiency but also ensures durability and aesthetic appeal, supporting NASA’s mission to push the boundaries of aerospace communication technology. 

ARCHITECT: Ross Barney Architects, Chicago, IL
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Austin Building and Design, Cleveland, OH
GLAZING CONTRACTOR: Carroll Glass & Maintenance, Inc., Euclid, OH

Photography: © Kendall McCaugherty | Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty

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