37th Space Symposium

Start Date: Apr 4, 2022

End Date: Apr 7, 2022

The Air Force Research Laboratory will showcase space-related programs and technologies along with the Hack-a-Sat competition, ways to share ideas or capabilities with AFRL, and SpaceWERX, the U.S. Space Force affiliated arm of AFWERX during the 37th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 4-7, 2022.

AFRL supports both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, seamlessly working high priority research areas across the lab, meeting operational needs and delivering warfighting technologies to Airmen and Guardians.

AFRL Commander Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle will speak on a panel titled ‘Combining Science and Technology: A Service Labs Discussion’ on April 7 from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. Mountain time with Capt. Daniel Keane, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center and Dr. Bruce Danly, director of research for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Led by Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space Science and Technology, Dr. Andrew Williams, the discussion focuses on accomplishments in S&T, opportunities for collaboration among the service labs and future plans for protecting our nation’s vital interests in space.

ABOUT AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. With a workforce of 11,000+ across nine technology areas and 40 other operations worldwide, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development.

Within AFRL, scientists and engineers collaborate to execute crosscutting R&D. External collaboration including partnerships with industry, academia and other agencies is also an integral part of AFRL’s business model. In continuing with this integrated, cooperative approach, AFRL will seamlessly support the S&T needs of two services: the Air Force and the Space Force. Today’s global threats require multi-disciplinary solutions, and AFRL is committed to supporting the warfighter in every key domain.

EXPLORE OUR NSS EXHIBITS

As one laboratory, AFRL develops air, space and cyberspace technology solutions to support our U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Forces.

SPACE PROGRAMS

Along with AFRL Vanguard program NTS-3, some other space programs and technologies to be showcased by AFRL include Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research Project (SSPIDR), Cislunar Highway Patrol System (CHPS), Tactically Responsive Space Access (TRSA) and Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT) propellant.

Explore: SPACE TECHNOLOGIES

COMMAND & CONTROL

In the command and control arena, AFRL will highlight Hack-a-Sat, an event that brings together the world’s top cybersecurity talent, challenging them to help reduce vulnerabilities and build more secure space systems. The competition is building a non-traditional community of security researchers, government, industry and academia that works together to develop novel approaches for securing the space cyber domain. The qualification round for Hack-a-Sat 3 will be held May 21-22. For more information, visit www.hackasat.com.

Hack-a-Sat

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HOW TO ENGAGE WITH AFRL

AFRL will also highlight various avenues for connecting with the lab at its NSS booth including SpaceWERX and the Tech Connect website. SpaceWERX, the U.S. Space Force-affiliated arm of the AFWERX team, focuses on advancing innovative technologies for USSF Guardians and expanding the space industrial space by guiding additional partners, leveraging commercial investment and rapidly pursuing new technologies, while closely aligning its efforts with space operators and acquisition professionals within the USSF.

Orbital Prime, a SpaceWERX program, advances commercially developed technologies for orbital operations. The initiative focuses on the emerging market known as OSAM, short for on-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing. This includes a broad range of technologies to repair and refuel existing satellites, remove orbital debris and create new capabilities in space.

Meanwhile, innovators who would like to share ideas with AFRL, are encouraged to visit the Tech Connect website, a portal where users can submit ideas and capabilities with AFRL subject matter experts for potential feedback, collaborations and opportunities.

Explore: PARTNERING WITH AFRL

EXPLORE OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

AFRL reimagines what’s possible by leading scientific research and development for the Air Force and Space Force.

Explore: AFRL TECHNOLOGIES