Projects and Missions

Below is a sampling of APL’s critical contributions to critical challenges. Projects and missions are displayed in alphabetical order. 

Filter projects and missions by area of impact, mission area, or both.

Planes in flight (Credit: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph E. Montemarano)

Modeling Warfighter Decision-Making

Working with technical consultants and the Navy fighter aircraft community, we created a pilot-behavior model for air-to-air combat.
Learn more about Modeling Warfighter Decision-Making
Visualization of Earth with networks in Low Earth Orbit (Credit: Bigstock)

National Security Space Missions and Hardware

APL is proud to conceptualize and implement highly classified and critically important spaceflight missions to enable our nation’s security.
Learn more about National Security Space Missions and Hardware
NEAR Spacecraft in front of asteroid

NEAR

The first launch in NASA’s Discovery program, the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) was the first mission to orbit and land on an asteroid.
Learn more about NEAR
Optical physicist Michael Fitch models a prototype high-density diffuse optical imaging system, described in JJ Wathen et al. 2021.

Neural Interfaces

Directly interfacing with the nervous system to connect humans with intelligent systems.
Learn more about Neural Interfaces
Raphael Norman-Tenazas, neuro-AI researcher, tests a robot navigation strategy inspired by the fruit fly connectome.

Neuroscience-Inspired Artificial Intelligence

Developing next-generation learning algorithms that draw inspiration from biological nervous systems to revolutionize intelligent systems.
Learn more about Neuroscience-Inspired Artificial Intelligence
Artist's rendering of New Horizons

New Horizons

New Horizons is the first mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt, the distant region of planetary building blocks that hold keys to our solar system’s formation.
Learn more about New Horizons
Aircraft in flight (Credit: U.S. Navy)

Next Generation Jammer

We have been part of the NGJ team since initial concept development in 2001—playing a key role in the evolution of this initiative to equip warfighters of all services with state-of-the-art technology to address emerging electronic warfare gaps.
Learn more about Next Generation Jammer
APL FSO operators check the monitors on Sea Hunter as a third operator monitors operations.

Optical Communications at Sea

We successfully demonstrated a high-bandwidth free-space optical (FSO) communications system between two moving ships, proving operational utility of FSO technology in the maritime environment.
Learn more about Optical Communications at Sea
Artist's rendering of Parker Solar Probe

Parker Solar Probe

Parker Solar Probe dives closer to the Sun than humanity has ever ventured to unlock the mysteries of our nearest star.
Learn more about Parker Solar Probe
M1200 Armored Knight (Credit: U.S. Army/Sgt. Richard Daniels Jr.)

Precision Targeting

Working to ensure that ground forces can rapidly and accurately provide GPS locations of battlefield targets, APL performed design analyses and developed procedures that resulted in the successful testing of the Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) and improvements to the system’s precision geolocation capability.
Learn more about Precision Targeting
Johns Hopkins APL's 60-foot dish antenna illuminated at night

Preventing 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.
Learn more about Preventing Traffic Jams in Space
Closeup of person's hands at keyboard and using CAD tool (Credit: Bigstock)

Rapid Prototyping for Launcher Training

We improved on training aids by rapidly and cost-effectively prototyping an interactive pressurization valve for missile tube launcher training.
Learn more about Rapid Prototyping for Launcher Training
Coral fragments housed in APL’s NAMI facility.

Reversing the Loss of Coral Reefs

Recognizing the need to safeguard America’s coastlines and the value natural structures play in their protection, APL researchers are finding ways to use materials science to support coral reef growth and restoration.
Learn more about Reversing the Loss of Coral Reefs
Visualization of machine learning

Revolutionizing Materials Discovery for National Security

APL is reimagining and accelerating the targeted discovery of materials tailored to withstand and perform in the most demanding conditions, ensuring enhanced capabilities in extreme environments.
Learn more about Revolutionizing Materials Discovery for National Security
Johnny Matheny uses APL's Modular Prosthetic Limb (MPL) to take a drink

Revolutionizing Prosthetics

Revolutionizing Prosthetics is an ambitious multiyear program—funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)—to create a neurally controlled artificial limb that will restore near-natural motor and sensory capability to upper-extremity amputee patients.
Learn more about Revolutionizing Prosthetics