Mission Area
National Security Space
Space Solutions to Critical Military Problems
Johns Hopkins APL’s National Security Space Mission Area enables mission partners at all levels of government to realize highly classified and critically important missions for national security. Through an intimate understanding of threats in the space domain and the challenges associated with them, we address the unique problem sets and deliver novel solutions.
The National Security Space Mission Area has rapidly evolved to address the interconnected threats facing today’s warfighter. We apply innovative modeling and simulation, along with insightful analysis, to enable sponsors to make critical national security decisions. We also build and operate technical demonstrations to showcase proof-of-concept capabilities on Earth and in-orbit.
Our work includes producing robust hardware and software to meet warfighter needs, providing technical leadership to develop operationally robust security space systems and collaborating with mission partners to address national security challenges.
Leadership
Highlights
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Learn more about DARCDARC
APL is leading solutions for the Space Force with the DARC technology demonstrator program. Using a minimum of just three ground-based antenna sites, spaced at mid-latitudes around the world, the government plans to operationalize the ability to detect, track, and maintain awareness of satellites in, to, and through geosynchronous orbit.
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Learn more about Cislunar Science and TechnologyCislunar Science and Technology
APL is making critical contributions to the development of cislunar infrastructure to ensure our nation’s security interests are protected, support development of a sustainable cislunar presence, and advance pioneering science.
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Learn more about Preventing Traffic Jams in SpacePreventing Traffic Jams in Space
Providing greater situational awareness to enhance safety and security for those who plan to operate in cislunar space and on the Moon.
Recent News
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![Patrick Binning]()
Learn more about Patrick Binning Earns University of Colorado Boulder Alumni Honor for Aerospace ContributionsNews
Mar 27, 2024Patrick Binning Earns University of Colorado Boulder Alumni Honor for Aerospace Contributions
Patrick Binning has received the University of Colorado Boulder’s Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences award for excellence in public service. -
![Bobby Braun stands behind a lectern to present during the SEASONS 2023 Conference hosted on the Johns Hopkins APL campus.]()
Learn more about Johns Hopkins APL Conference Explores Preparedness for Next Space Weather EventPress Release
Dec 12, 2023Johns Hopkins APL Conference Explores Preparedness for Next Space Weather Event
With the Sun approaching its next peak in solar activity, space weather experts convened at APL to discuss how top agencies are preparing for a potential impact on national security. -
![Earth and the Moon]()
Learn more about Five Ways Johns Hopkins APL Is Advancing Lunar Science, Security and TechnologyNews
Dec 5, 2023Five Ways Johns Hopkins APL Is Advancing Lunar Science, Security and Technology
The scientific, economic and national security value of the Moon and its surrounding space has kicked off an era of intense international cooperation and competition. Leveraging its broad and distinguished base of experts, APL is making advancements that will keep the nation at the forefront in the development and exploration of the region.
