The Berkeley Space Center will launch technological breakthroughs in fields such as astronautics, quantum computing, climate studies and social sciences, in facilities on 36 acres at NASA Ames.

This project, which started in 2013, is called the Mars Sample Return and will help scientists know whether there is life on Mars.

The Women’s Leadership Summit, held at NASA Ames, featured House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Silicon Valley Congresswoman Anna Eshoo.

The Mountain View research center, which employs more than 1,000 staffers and another 1,000 contractors, is hard hit by the budget crisis.