A new facility recently opened in Alabama is set to tackle the United States’ complex national security and space exploration challenges. Auburn University’s Applied Research Institute (AUARI) opened a new 50,000-square-foot laboratory in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park. The plan is to support U.S. government and industry partners tackling complex national security and space exploration challenges.
It was also revealed that the facility houses the nation’s only university-led space electronics testing capability of its kind, along with advanced manufacturing, rapid prototyping and space development and operations capabilities. Designed for future growth, the laboratory positions Auburn to meet increasing demand for applied research and technology development in aerospace and defense.
Facility to support defense operations
“This is a momentous day for Auburn and for the security of our nation,” said Dr. Steve Taylor, Auburn University’s senior vice president for research and economic development. “Auburn’s work in Huntsville, particularly the radiation effects testing, will meet an urgent need for our Department of War partners.”
“We take our mission to serve the people of Alabama very seriously and are proud to answer the call to strengthen national security and be a valuable partner for the Huntsville aerospace and defense ecosystem.”
In addition to AUARI’s Voyager Way facility located less than a mile away, the new laboratory is minutes from Redstone Arsenal. Supported by the City of Huntsville’s Industrial Development Board, Auburn and its partners have invested more than $30 million in the facility and completed construction in just 11 months, according to a press release.
Facility to deliver innovative defense capabilities
“The Auburn University Applied Research Institute is a dedicated mission partner for the Department of War,” said the Honorable Joseph S. Jewell, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology, said at the event.
“We understand that modern warfighters operate in an environment defined by unprecedented technological complexity. To protect our warfighters, we must ensure they always have the tactical advantage that should not rely on outdated technologies. This new facility will ensure that brilliant ideas become programs of record and get into the hands of our warfighters.”
It was also revealed that In addition to AUARI’s Voyager Way facility located less than a mile away, the new laboratory is minutes from Redstone Arsenal. Supported by the City of Huntsville’s Industrial Development Board, Auburn and its partners have invested more than $30 million in the facility and completed construction in just 11 months.
“Auburn recognized an urgent need and moved quickly to meet it,” said Jonathan Pettus, executive director of AUARI. “That same sense of urgency drives our work every day. Our government partners need innovative capabilities delivered faster than ever before, and this facility helps ensure Auburn can continue developing solutions at the speed the mission demands.”