Applied Physics Laboratory
Overview
The APL develops a variety of special instrumentation and tools for answering specific vehicle processing and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) requirements including focus areas in optics, acoustics, capacitance, Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and other technologies. The APL specializes in technology response with applied physics. The laboratory receives problems from the Orion/Space Launch System, Expendable Launch Vehicle, International Space Station/Payloads, and future programs and works to solve them using concepts at technology readiness levels 3 and 4. Laboratory personnel take demonstrated concepts that can solve a problem and ultimately turn them into field-worthy hardware. Primary areas of expertise are electromagnetic radiation (mainly ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and millimeter), ultrasonics, sensor development, mechanical system design, electromagnetics, atmospheric electricity, lightning physics, lightning interaction with aerospace vehicles, and lightning protection. Work focuses on advanced sensors and systems for measurement and leak visualization and detection, NDE of flight hardware and GSE, flight hardware positioning systems, and cryogenics. The APL works closely with several contractor-operated laboratories that help take the demonstrated concepts forward to operational hardware. The laboratory is also capable of developing lunar mission capable flight avionics and software for instruments/payloads with mission operations ground control software.
