USGS Astrogeology: Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology

USGS Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology

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In 2002, the Astrogeology Research Program moved into its new facilities, the Shoemaker Center for Astrogeolgoy on the USGS Flagstaff Science Center campus. The building features historic displays in the entrance lobby, four conference rooms, a data center hosting over 10 terabytes of storage, a computer help desk staffed by six information technology specialists and systems administrators, a mission operations center currently used to run Mars Exploration Rover Microscopic Imager activities, a digital photogrammetric workstation lab, a film digitization lab, an optical media production lab, and numerous specialized workstations for GIS, image processing, and cartography work. The Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology also houses the U.S. Geological Survey Library's Flagstaff location, one of four USGS Libraries in the nation. The USGS Library in Flagstaff specializes in material related to astrogeology, planetary science, and the USGS Astrogeology Research Program and has quick access to the entire holdings of the USGS library system.

Designed for comfort as well as productivity, the building features exterior windows that open to allow Flagstaff's fresh mountain air, and interior windows to bring natural light into unwindowed spaces. Employee facilities include a break room, and shower facilities for staff members who exercise in neighboring Buffalo Park or participate in on-site yoga and pilates classes.

The Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology building, was planned for several years in coordination with the City of Flagstaff, which financed the building of the facility and leases it to the USGS. It replaced Building 1, the old Astrogeology Building, which could no longer be maintained. Building 1 is now closed and was removed in 2002 shortly after construction on Building 6 was completed in July 2002.

The Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology Building is named in memory of Eugene M. Shoemaker, the founder of the Astrogeology Research Program and the Flagstaff Field Center. The ground breaking ceremony was held July 17, 2001, and was attended by Eugene Shoemaker's widow, Carolyn, and their son, Patrick, as well as staff from the Flagstaff Field Center, City of Flagstaff government, and office of U.S. Representative JD Hayworth.

The ribbon was cut for Flagstaff's new Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology on July 27, 2002, declaring the building officially finished and ready to be moved into by USGS Astrogeology Research Program staff members. The ceremony was attended by a small crowd including Carolyn Shoemaker, Flagstaff Mayor Joseph C. Donaldson, Astrogeology Program Chief Wes Ward, the building contractor Chuck Bowers, and many USGS staff members.

USGS Flagstaff Science Center

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Lobby of the Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology

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Buffalo Park, Flagstaff, Arizona (c)2006 Michelle D'Hooge

The USGS campus is bordered to the north by 215 acre Buffalo Park
©2006 Michelle D'Hooge

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Jeff Johnson talks to visitors during an open house

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Administrators assist staff with travel arrangements, budgeting and accounting, and human resources

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Paul Geissler and Bob Sucharski working in the Mars Exploration Rover Operations Center (MER-OPS)

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Offices on the north side of the Shoemaker building enjoy views of Buffalo Park and the San Francisco Peaks

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The break room on the north side of the building is connected to an outdoor seating area

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Many offices feature windows that open to bring Flagstaff's fresh mountain air indoors

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The USGS Library on the Flagstaff Science Center campus, located in the Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology

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The USGS Library on the Flagstaff Science Center campus features comfortable seating and workspaces

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Librarians help staff locate resources and research materials

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Wes Ward giving a speech at the Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology dedication ceremony

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Groundbreaking Ceremony:
Carolyn Shoemaker and Program Chief Wes Ward
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony:
Carolyn Shoemaker and Flagstaff Mayor Joe Donaldson cut the ribbon during for the new Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology, 27 July 2002
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Campus Expansion Illustration:
Architect's diagram of placement of future buildings and additions, including the Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology
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Building Construction:
View of the building while under construction, December 2001
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