ROSMAN, N.C. (WLOS) — The former satellite tracking facility for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Rosman, North Carolina, is now up for sale, according to a listing posted on NAI Piedmont Triad.
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is a 192-acre site, built in 1963, that features more than 30 buildings, including a welcome center, library, exhibits, dorms and staff housing, and dining facilities. The site is selling for $30 million.
PISGAH ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FACING FUNDING CRISIS
“PARI is a state-of-the-art campus first built for NASA, ideal for institutional, lab research, quantum data, educational, or innovative private use,” the listing said.
According to the listing, NASA originally developed the campus as part of the Space Race; the campus helped capture the first images of Earth from space.
The campus was also used by the National Security Agency during the Cold War as a key satellite communications hub.
The listing says that scientific and technological assets include more than 25 optical telescopes, a planetarium, dish antennas, data centers, laboratories, and radio arrays.
According to the listing, under the current owner, which is a non-profit organization, the campus is used for STEM education, scientific research, data archiving, facility rentals, events, and private programs.
“This scientific landmark is ready for next-gen use, from AI research and data archiving to aerospace communications, STEM education, and even quantum computing,” the listing says.