"Carl was an incredible visionary, and now his legacy can be preserved and advanced by a 2lst century research and education laboratory committed to enhancing our understanding of life in the universe and furthering the cause of space exploration for all time," Goldin said.

Astronomer, educator and author, Sagan was often viewed as the world's greatest popularizer of science. His writings and television appearances touched millions of people. Sagan's most recognized work was the PBS series, Cosmos. The Emmy- and Peabody-award-winning production became the most watched series in public-television history, seen by over 500 million people in 60 countries. An accompanying book to Cosmos remained on The New York Times bestseller list for 70 weeks and was the best-selling science book ever published in English.

Sagan, who was the David Duncan Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences and director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University, died 5 years ago last month. He lost a two-year battle with bone marrow disease at 62, dying of pneumonia.

"I admire Dan Goldin for his tenacity in supporting research related to life off Earth. The fact that he dedicated this wonderful center in Carl Sagan's memory, as one of his last official acts as administrator, clearly demonstrates how he shared Carl's passion to learn if life is widespread in the Cosmos," Thomas Pierson, Chief Executive Officer of the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California, told SPACE.com.

After its doors open within two to three years, the center is to engage in leading-edge, multi-disciplinary research in support of NASA's mission to answer the question, 'are we alone in the universe?', said Scott Hubbard, NASA Ames Deputy Director for Research.

"Scientists will conduct both basic and applied work that will further our understanding of life's origins, evolution and future. Researchers will integrate new findings in nanotechnology, biology and information technology to develop new miniature tools for sample analysis and data understanding," Hubbard said.

The center's three initial laboratories are to be modular in design, providing flexibility for change and amenable to undertake varying and evolving research tracks.

Hubbard said that a genomics and microbiology laboratory could be used to reveal the fundamental processes of living systems drawn from a variety of different environments. Also, a new biosensors facility will enable development of devices to study the fingerprints of life, both here on Earth and on other planets. From a nanotechnology laboratory, he predicted, ultra-small devices that mimic or reproduce the processes in living systems will emerge.

The Sagan Center is a step toward NASA's goal of melding academia, industry and non-profits to foster world-class, shared-use research.

"It is fitting that this 21st century laboratory be named for the 20th century's most articulate and passionate advocate of space exploration. The Sagan Center, the product of an innovative public-private sector partnership, will attract and promote collaborative research and development among its partners in industry, academia and NASA," said Donald Fulop, Vice President of Business Development, Lockheed Martin Space Operations, Houston, during last month's dedication of the center.