News

May 31, 2023
A Mission Out of This World: The Benefield Anechoic Facility tests first space satellite in decades

The Benefield Anechoic Facility recently tested its first space satellite in decades. Anticipated to launch in late 2023, Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) will be the Department of Defense’s first experimental, integrated navigation satellite system in nearly 50 years.
Nov. 18, 2022
AFRL breaks ground on new FORTRESS space lab

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, held a ground-breaking ceremony, Nov. 16, 2022, beginning construction on the Facility for Radiation Tolerance Research on Electronics for Space and Strategic Systems, or FORTRESS, a 6,200-square-foot, $4.5 million facility, located adjacent to the AFRL
Nov. 4, 2022
SpaceWERX awards 124 Orbital Prime contracts

The SpaceWERX Orbital Prime program awarded 124 Phase 1 contracts from June 15 to Sept. 22, 2022, each with a five-month term valued at $250,000.
Oct. 18, 2022
AFRL’s Ascent satellite marks end of mission objectives

The Air Force Research Laboratory's small satellite named Ascent has completed all of its mission objectives and is performing extended operations to characterize the survivability of the commercial-off-the-shelf, or COTS, bus electronics in the geosynchronous Earth orbit, or GEO, space environment.
Sept. 27, 2022
AFRL commander moderates future of propulsion panel at AFA Air, Space, Cyber Conference

Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle, Air Force Research Laboratory commander, moderated a future of propulsion panel comprised of Air Force experts Sept. 21, 2022, during the Air and Space Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National
May 26, 2022
AFRL sponsorship recipient wins NASA space manufacturing contract

Air Force Research Laboratory research sponsorship recipient, United Semiconductors, LLC (USLLC), is one of eight companies selected to work on a three-year $21 million NASA contract to manufacture tools in space.
April 21, 2022
AFRL, ABL Space Systems demonstrate rapid operation of launch systems

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, and ABL Space Systems are collaborating to demonstrate how launch systems can be operated rapidly by small teams from nontraditional sites.
April 20, 2022
National radiation electronics expert brings value to AFRL space program

The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert “Bob” Pugh was presented the prestigious Peter Haas award at the 2022 Hardened Electronics and Radiation Technology (HEART) Conference held March in Tarrytown, New York. Pugh has been working in
Nov. 15, 2021
AFRL Awards Record-breaking $1B Contract to Space Dynamics Laboratory

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded its largest-ever contract for space-related technology development and mission support.The contract, worth up to $1B, was awarded to Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory (USU/SDL) a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) to ensure
June 24, 2021
AFRL leaps forward in NTS-3 spacecraft development

The Air Force Research Laboratory is excited to announce that the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) satellite navigation program is closer in the development of the spacecraft for its in-space demonstration, thanks to the delivery of its bus that will carry it to space in 2023.