Feature Gardening in Space LADA Makes for a greener International Space Station Related Information Space Dynamics Laboratory website

Space Dynamics Laboratory

Founded in 1959, the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) has been responsible for the design, fabrication, and operation of thousands of sensors on over 400 payloads ranging from aircraft and rocket-borne experiments to space shuttle experiments, small satellites, and satellite-based sensor systems.

As one of ten University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) in the nation, SDL conceives and develops state-of-the-art sensor and satellite systems; performs space, air, and ground-based experiments; conducts rapid, experimental development of prototype sensor hardware and associated software; performs concept validation studies and demonstrations; and develops data-fusing technology for passive and active sensors.

SDL is headquartered in a 5-building, 173,000 square foot research complex near the Utah State University campus in Logan, Utah. SDL's facilities were enhanced in 2002 with the addition of the 43,000 square foot Calibration and Optical Research Laboratory. The research complex includes offices, conference space, a state-of-the-art computing facility, a modern, comprehensive machine shop, class-100 clean rooms with full contamination control services, optical design laboratories, high-bay integration areas, environmental test facilities, NIST-qualified calibration and characterization facilities, a spacecraft command and control center, and laboratories for full optical, mechanical, and electrical system design and assembly. SDL also has a well-equipped facility in Bedford, MA and an office in Washington, DC.