USGS at NASA Ames Research Center

Innovative Cold Storage Shelving Solutions for Geological Research

Creative Minds, Creative Spaces

Meeting a Unique Scientific Refrigerated Storage Challenge

For research institutions like the United States Geological Survey (USGS), preserving critical materials is just as important as collecting them. Core samples, in particular, serve as irreplaceable records of Earth’s geological history, offering insights into natural resources, environmental shifts, and long-term changes to our planet’s structure. When it came time for USGS to address a complex storage challenge at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, they turned to Systems & Space for a custom solution that would protect these valuable resources while improving storage efficiency.

The project required outfitting a large, climate-controlled refrigerator to house several thousand core samples. These cylindrical sections of rock and sediment, extracted during drilling operations, must be stored at carefully controlled temperatures to preserve their physical and chemical properties. With a finite amount of refrigerated space and an ever-growing collection of samples, USGS faced the challenge of finding a system that could maximize storage capacity without sacrificing accessibility or compromising environmental conditions.

Designing a Custom Cold Storage Solution

Standard static shelving systems offered little flexibility and would have quickly consumed valuable floor space within the cold storage unit. Beyond capacity concerns, the need for reliable, smooth operation in a cold, high-humidity environment posed additional complications. The system had to be corrosion-resistant, capable of bearing heavy loads, and operable in low temperatures, all while supporting the day-to-day demands of active research.

To meet these challenges, Systems & Space designed and installed a mechanical-assist mobile storage system inside the refrigerated space. The mobile system eliminates the need for fixed aisles by placing shelving units on mobile carriages that glide along floor-mounted tracks. Staff can open an aisle where needed by simply turning a mechanical-assist handle, allowing for compact, dense storage while maintaining easy access to the core samples.

The result is a storage configuration that dramatically increases the available capacity within the existing footprint of the refrigeration unit. By reclaiming the space that would have been occupied by static aisles, USGS can now securely house several thousand core samples in an organized, easily accessible system designed specifically for their application. Even in the cold, mechanical-assist handles allow staff to move the shelving units with minimal effort, improving both efficiency and safety within the cold storage environment.

Protecting Valuable Scientific Resources

In addition to addressing capacity and operational needs, the system was built to withstand the challenges of a refrigerated, high-humidity environment. Materials were carefully selected to resist corrosion, and the system’s design ensures reliable movement and durability under demanding conditions. The ability to integrate this level of customization is one of the defining strengths of this system and a key reason it was chosen for this project.

The impact of this installation extends beyond logistics. Preserving geological core samples in optimal conditions is essential for protecting their scientific value. These samples often serve as historical records of Earth’s subsurface, capturing evidence of climate patterns, seismic activity, and natural resource deposits. With advancements in analytical technologies, core samples collected decades ago can reveal new data through modern testing methods. Ensuring that these materials remain intact and well-organized positions USGS to take full advantage of future research opportunities while protecting the integrity of historical data.

Furthermore, the new storage system has streamlined USGS’s daily operations at the NASA Ames facility. Quick, reliable access to core samples reduces the time spent searching for materials and minimizes the potential for sample mishandling. By improving organization and retrieval processes, the ActivRAC installation has enhanced productivity for researchers and support staff alike.

Supporting Innovation in Scientific Storage

This project also stands as a testament to the importance of adaptable, innovative storage solutions in highly specialized scientific environments. Cold storage for geological samples presents a unique intersection of challenges, from temperature control and spatial limitations to the preservation of delicate, often irreplaceable materials. Through careful planning, custom configuration, and collaboration with USGS, Systems & Space delivered a solution tailored to these exacting requirements.

The success of this installation underscores the broader role of mobile storage systems in supporting scientific, industrial, and government operations. As organizations like USGS manage expanding collections of critical materials, flexible high-density mobile systems offer a sustainable, scalable solution for optimizing space and safeguarding resources. The ability to customize storage for specific environmental and operational conditions ensures that valuable collections remain protected while supporting the daily workflows of the people who rely on them.

Systems & Space is proud to have contributed to this important project and to continue supporting the needs of research institutions, laboratories, and government agencies nationwide. The USGS core sample storage system at NASA Ames Research Center represents not only a practical storage solution but also an investment in the future of scientific discovery.

Furthermore, the new storage system has streamlined USGS’s daily operations at the NASA Ames facility. Quick, reliable access to core samples reduces the time spent searching for materials and minimizes the potential for sample mishandling. By improving organization and retrieval processes, the installation has enhanced productivity for researchers and support staff alike.

For more information about custom mobile storage systems for specialized environments, contact the Systems & Space team directly to explore options for your organization.

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