Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory
AbbreviationSDL
PredecessorElectro-Dynamics Laboratories (EDL),
Upper Air Research Laboratory (UARL)
Founded1982; 42 years ago (1982)
TypeNonprofit
HeadquartersNorth Logan, Utah, United States
President
Jed J Hancock[1]
Parent organization
Utah State University
AffiliationsUARC for the Missile Defense Agency
Revenue (FY2019)
About US$175 million [2]
Staff (FY2019)
900+ [2]
Websitewww.sdl.usu.edu

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is a nonprofit government contractor owned by Utah State University. SDL is the sole University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) for the United States Missile Defense Agency; and, is one of 15 UARCs in the nation for the United States Department of Defense. Together with Utah State University, SDL has completed over 420 successful space missions and deployed over 500 independent hardware and software systems into space.[3]

SDL was formed in 1982 from the merger of Utah State University's Electro Dynamics Laboratories (founded in 1959) and the University of Utah's Upper Air Research Laboratory (founded in 1948).[4] The corporation has been responsible for the design, fabrication, and operation of sensors on over 430 payloads ranging from aircraft and rocket-borne experiments to space shuttle experiments and satellite-based sensor systems. SDL provides sensor systems and supporting technologies to address challenges for the United States government. SDL designs and develops electro-optical sensors, builds small satellites, provides calibration services, and creates real-time data reconnaissance systems.[2]

SDL employs over 900 engineers, students, and professional staff at facilities in Logan, Utah; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Bedford, Massachusetts; Dayton, Ohio; Huntsville, Alabama; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; and Washington, D.C.

  1. ^ "Leadership – Space Dynamics Laboratory". Space Dynamics Laboratory. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Overview" (PDF). Space Dynamics Laboratory. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  3. ^ "Space Dynamics Laboratory". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  4. ^ "SDL - History". Space Dynamics Laboratory, Utah State University. Retrieved 23 May 2020.