Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) • Page 2 of 6

Aug- 2025 -

15 August

An artistic rendering depicts the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL’s, Navigation Technology Satellite-3, or NTS-3, in simulated geosynchronous orbit. NTS-3, an experimental platform designed to demonstrate technologies to increase resiliency, robustness and reprogrammability of Position, Navigation, and Timing functionality in space, will be on display at AFRL’s “Engine to Accelerate” booths at the 2024 Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 16-18, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland. AFRL is accelerating innovation by transforming the satellite navigation architecture to be reprogrammable both on-orbit and in the field, which enables new capabilities to support the warfighter faster through software updates. Like downloading a new app on your smartphone, this means that new satellites will not need to be launched to upgrade the signals, and that warfighters will not need to purchase and deploy new hardware to take advantage of upgraded signals. NTS-3 will mature technologies like the advanced timekeeping system that can detect and mitigate atomic clock faults without direct operator intervention. NTS-3's software-defined receiver, known as Global Navigation Satellite System Test Architecture, can receive and process new navigation signals that improve performance for U.S. forces in the presence of GPS interference or spoofing (a process by which users are sent inaccurate signals telling them that they are in the incorrect time and place). NTS-3 is anticipated to launch in late 2024. (Courtesy photo illustration)

AFRL Launches Experimental Satellite Into Orbit to Secure Navigational Edge

The US Air Force Research Laboratory has taken a major step toward securing the nation’s navigation advantage with the launch of the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket in Florida.

Jul- 2025 -

18 July

Technology

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

New Laser Tech From Illinois Could Boost Future Drone and Missile Defenses

Engineers at the University of Illinois have developed a next-gen laser component that could improve missile defenses, power directed-energy systems, and enhance laser-based sensing on drones.

May- 2025 -

9 May

Americas

Joe Saballa

US Air Force to Test Rocket-Based Cargo Delivery With Rocket Lab’s Neutron

The US Air Force Research Laboratory has selected Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket to explore the potential of rapid, rocket-based cargo delivery to anywhere on Earth.

Feb- 2025 -

28 February

Americas

Joe Saballa

US Air Force Partners With Xona to Explore New GPS Alternative

The US military is exploring alternatives to GPS, and Xona’s commercial solution is quickly emerging as a potential key player.

5 February

Technology

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, MIDDLE EAST – U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jamie M. Greenfield, an infantry assault Marine with 3rd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force, Crisis Response-Central Command, operates a radio during a simulated gas attack July 25, 2018. The Marines exercised their chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense training during exercise Lucky Seahorse. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Teagan Fredericks)

Rojoef Manuel

New Mexico Company to Test Aerosol Threat Scanner for US Air Force

The US Air Force has awarded chemical and bioaerosol company BioFlyte a contract to trial its dynamic threat monitoring technology for critical infrastructure security.

Jan- 2025 -

15 January

Land

Col. Jeremy Raley, director of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate, cuts a ceremonial ribbon in front of the new Radiation Tolerance Research on Electronics for Space and Strategic Systems, or FORTRESS, facility doors Aug. 20, 2024, at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. The ceremony commemorated the opening of the new building. FORTRESS will be used for developing new electronic components in space. (U.S. Air Force photo / Paul Robinson)

Rojoef Manuel

AFRL Opens Military Testing Facility for Air, Space Force Electronics

AFRL has opened a testing center dedicated to electronic components that complete larger US Air Force and Space Force systems.

Sep- 2024 -

11 September

Land

Rojoef Manuel

US Air Force Launches Space Vehicle Laboratory Construction in New Mexico

The US Air Force has conducted a groundbreaking ceremony in New Mexico to begin the development of a Re-Entry Vehicle Integration Laboratory.

Aug- 2024 -

8 August

Americas

Insight – multi-intelligence sensor fusion. Image: BAE Systems

Inder Singh Bisht

BAE Wins $48M USAF Data Analytics Tool Contract

The US Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded a $48-million contract to BAE Systems to further develop an existing data analytics tool used by military intelligence analysts.

6 August

Technology