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Students helping produce space-based weapons detector By
Rachel Marberger
Students from Utah State University are working on a Space Based Infrared System, SBIRS, at the Space Dynamics Laboratory. The SDL is a space technology research center in Logan, owned by Utah State University. Above the earth's atmosphere, SBIRS is a project putting satellites in space that sense missiles and weapons of mass destruction. The vision of SBIRS is to provide the world's best space-based surveillance system for the nation. SBIRS is a war defense system in space that detects nuclear warfare. The four primary missions of SBIRS are missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battle-space characterization. SBIRS and other NASA projects are researched and developed by employees of the SDL. The laboratory employs over 300 dedicated scientists, engineers, professional staff, university faculty, and students working to expand knowledge of space and the earth. "Students bring a lot to the SDL," said Paul Huber, operations manager, SDL. "Students that work here are bright students and bring new ideas to the lab. They assist in the production of major experiments." About 75 students from USU are employed with the SDL. Many are majoring in the fields of electrical or mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics, computer science, business, marketing, and finance. The SDL provides a quality learning environment for students and offers the experience and skills they need to find a career after graduation. "The SDL offers many employment positions and allows students to stay employed three months after graduation," said Rachel Peterson, human resources assistant at the SDL. "Many of the students want to stay after they graduate and apply for permanent positions." The SDL provides a very positive environment and good experiences, Peterson said. Peterson graduated in human resources last May and wants to stay employed with the SDL. "The SDL is one of the more competitive employers in the valley. They pay a great salary and offer many benefits," Peterson said. A new SDL building was finished six years ago and is the center of elaborate research and manufacturing for space products. The SDL is governed by a Board of Trustees that votes and makes decisions on the funding and experiments that take place within. Although the SDL is independent from USU, there are many links and benefits to the university. Dr. Ted Baker of USU started what is now called the Space Dynamics Laboratory. The lab was begun to research one of the first V2 rockets in the possession of the United States after World War II. Dr. Baker came to USU to improve the V2 rockets and gradually his experiments and research grew into the Space Dynamics Laboratory. The Space Dynamics Laboratory was originated in 1959, and was part of the college of engineering. Contributing to this report were Eric Buchanan, Amber Gregory, SBIRS and the Space Dynamics Lab.
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