The Rutgers Science Explorer is a state-of-the-art, custom-designed mobile laboratory that is 40-feet long, 8-feet wide, and 12.5-feet tall, with a raised roof to allow sufficient headroom for standing adults. Two doors—a sedan-type door and an ADA-compliant rear wheelchair lift door—provide access to the Rutgers Science Explorer. Inside, the Rutgers Science Explorer has two lab benches that seat 20 students, including an ADA-compliant workstation. The laboratory is networked for 10 student workstations and a server, and can access the Internet through a retractable satellite dish on the roof. Permanent equipment includes video, DVD, and computer projection equipment; a 42-inch plasma screen TV; a refrigerator and microwave; and safety equipment. Additional special equipment is provided for each activity.

The Rutgers Science Explorer is a custom-designed model year 2005 Blue Bird bus transit type vehicle. The bus is powered by a Caterpillar C7 turbo charged engine that exceeds all current EPA emission requirements and, in fact, meets the increasingly stringent proposed requirements through 2007—it's a green machine. The Rutgers Science Explorer is equipped with dual full-air s-cam front and rear brakes, full power steering, Michelin H ply tubeless tires, and an electronic automatic 5-speed transmission. Four 15,000 BTU roof mounted air conditioners with 5,600 BTU heat strips provide climate control when parked. The Rutgers Science Explorer can operate independently with two generators.