Astrotech Lighting, Controls and Modifications

Do you need help with your aerospace electrical contracting project?

Get Help

Year:

2018

Location:

Space Coast, FL

Summary:

Installation of new lighting system and lighting controls
Electrical modifications to accommodate new system

Project Gallery

Astrotech / Space Habitat

In 2018, Core Electric was selected to perform a specialized lighting system upgrade and electrical modification project for Astrotech/Space Hab, a key facility supporting spacecraft processing and integration on Florida’s Space Coast. This initiative focused on the installation of an advanced lighting system along with smart lighting controls, as well as the electrical infrastructure modifications necessary to accommodate the updated technology.

Astrotech and SpaceHab facilities have long played a vital role in preparing satellites and scientific payloads for launch. These environments demand a high level of control, precision, and cleanliness, making the integration of any new electrical system both highly technical and critically important. With over two decades of experience in aerospace electrical contracting, our team at Core Electric was well-prepared to execute this upgrade with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

Our work began with a comprehensive assessment of the existing electrical and lighting infrastructure. The previous system, while functional, was not meeting the evolving needs of the facility—particularly in terms of energy efficiency, lighting quality, and environmental control. Working closely with facility engineers and NASA-adjacent partners, we developed a plan to replace outdated lighting with modern, high-efficiency LED fixtures designed for cleanroom and controlled environment use.

The lighting upgrade wasn’t just about brightness—it was about precision and control. We installed a new lighting control system that allowed for programmable zoning, dimming, occupancy sensing, and automated scheduling. This capability is especially valuable in spacecraft integration areas, where operators may need to adjust light levels based on the type of work being performed or to reduce thermal load during sensitive procedures.

The system also enhanced energy efficiency, aligning with federal initiatives for reduced power consumption in government-adjacent facilities. By integrating smart lighting controls, we enabled the facility to reduce waste, optimize load distribution, and enhance overall environmental performance—an increasingly important factor in both public and private aerospace sectors.

To support the new lighting infrastructure, we also had to make targeted electrical modifications throughout the facility. This included reworking conduit paths, adding new circuits, modifying panel loads, and integrating dedicated control wiring back to the central automation hub. Each modification was implemented with extreme attention to detail and full adherence to National Electrical Code (NEC), as well as NASA and DoD standards where applicable.

Because the facility remained active during the upgrade, timing and coordination were crucial. We worked in carefully scheduled phases to avoid disrupting critical spacecraft processing workflows. Our team remained in constant communication with site managers, ensuring all work was completed safely and with minimal interference to mission-critical operations.

Additionally, we conducted full system testing, commissioning, and handoff training to ensure the new lighting and control systems performed exactly as intended. All components were verified for compatibility, responsiveness, and resilience under real-world operational loads.

The success of this project underscores Core Electric’s strength in executing high-stakes electrical work in complex, regulated environments. From design consultation to final commissioning, our team delivered a clean, efficient, and intelligent lighting solution that elevated the facility’s operational capabilities. At Core Electric, we’re proud to continue supporting the next generation of space exploration through advanced electrical systems that power and protect the infrastructure behind it.