Researchers demonstrated a dual-use laser system capable of wirelessly transmitting power over long distances and rapidly transitioning to perform defensive missions. The test showcased the system's ability to provide remote power delivery while maintaining its original mission as a directed-energy defense capability.
The US Naval Research Lab is developing continuous biomanufacturing technologies to produce critical materials more efficiently and sustainably. The approach uses surface-bound microbial cells to generate valuable compounds over extended periods, reducing energy requirements and equipment size.
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellite (RSGS) payload successfully launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral U.S. Space Force Station. The mission aims to extend the life and resilience of satellites in geosynchronous orbit through on-orbit servicing.
The US Naval Research Laboratory has launched the Glowbug-2 instrument to identify and localize cataclysmic cosmic events known as short gamma-ray bursts (GRB). The mission provides essential data for multi-messenger astrophysics, serving as a critical electromagnetic counterpart to ground-based gravitational wave observatories.
The NRL Plasma Physics Division has advanced understanding of plasma, supporting technologies critical to national defense, space science, and advanced materials. Researchers have developed novel concepts for detecting and removing space debris, as well as technologies for high-energy density physics and pulsed power.
The NRL launched three advanced experimental payloads aboard the STPSat-7 mission, including LARADO to detect orbital debris, GOSAS for improved navigation reliability, and GARI-1C to pave the way for future defense applications. This mission marks a significant step forward in advancing US space-based capabilities.
The new technology enables rapid assessment of tank integrity, allowing maintenance teams to prioritize only tanks showing signs of degradation. This leads to improved maintenance efficiency and reduced ship downtime, as well as advanced knowledge of tank condition for better planning.
Scientists at NRL have used neutron scattering to investigate the magnetic behavior of ruthenium dioxide, finding that exchange bias is due to an interfacial layer rather than intrinsic altermagnetism. The study provides clarity on the mechanism behind a key effect in the rapidly growing field of altermagnetism.
VLITE has recorded data spanning an entire solar cycle, capturing periods of high and low solar activity, enabling researchers to study the physical processes that generate disturbances. The system also monitors millisecond pulsars, providing a natural navigation potential with applications in space exploration.
A study aboard the International Space Station reveals how microgravity affects microbial metabolism and limits the efficiency of biological manufacturing processes. Microbes produce less melanin due to impaired transport and utilization of tyrosine, a molecular precursor required for melanin synthesis.
The Naval Research Laboratory launched a remote sensing experiment to improve AI applications in hyperspectral imaging, providing a unique spectral fingerprint for each pixel. This will help detect subtle material differences and observe environmental change with unprecedented accuracy, particularly in coastal and aquatic environments.
Petty Officer 1st Class Mitchell Apgar, a Navy Diver at the Naval Research Laboratory, was selected as the 2025 ONR Sailor of the Year for his sustained superior performance, leadership, and professionalism. He demonstrated exceptional commitment to his duties, taking on greater responsibility and pursuing self-improvement.
Dr. Shannon McGarry's work explores eye tracking methodologies to monitor operator performance in complex environments. Her research aims to inform display and control system design, enhancing warfighter effectiveness.
The NRL TREx service provides secure access to government and commercial antenna networks, enabling satellites to operate more effectively by downlinking more data. This has been seen in NRL's satellite missions and now missions across the USSF can onboard to the service.
The US Naval Research Laboratory received the Best Paper Award in Orbital Robotics at the 2025 International Conference on Space Robotics. The award recognizes the team's work on the APIARY experiment, which demonstrated reinforcement learning control on a free-flying robotic system on board the International Space Station.
Scientists at NRL and FIU create a new method for detecting trace levels of fentanyl without direct contact using a silicon nanowire array. This breakthrough offers first responders a faster, safer way to identify fentanyl and its related synthetic opioids.
John Lyons, a physical scientist at NRL's Materials Science and Technology Division, has been selected as an APS Fellow for his work on wide-band-gap semiconductors. His research focuses on understanding doping and defects in materials like gallium oxide and gallium nitride, key to next-generation radar and high-power electronic systems.
The US Naval Research Laboratory has installed a state-of-the-art cluster system for growing and analyzing quantum materials at the atomic level. This allows researchers to study materials one layer at a time, eliminating the need for sample transfer and reducing contamination risk.
CCOR-2 is designed to provide high-fidelity coronal imaging and detect Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) closer to the solar disk. This will enable accurate measurements of coronal density and velocity, ultimately improving space weather forecasting capabilities.
The mission will investigate Earth's geocorona, the outermost layer of the atmosphere, to reveal how it evolves under the influence of the Sun and space weather. This research has direct applications for satellites, communications, navigation, and human space exploration.
The Naval Research Laboratory's Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload has completed critical space-readiness testing, confirming its ability to withstand thermal vacuum conditions. The system, designed for on-orbit servicing and upgrades, has the potential to transform satellite operations in geosynchronous orbit.
The US Navy has developed a technology that uses stratospheric high-altitude balloons (HABs) and unmanned aircraft to enable 'over the horizon' operations. The system combines HABs with hydrogen fuel cell-powered long-range unmanned aircraft, allowing for extended range and persistence in remote locations.
The US Naval Research Laboratory's VXS-1 squadron operates a fleet of aircraft to support research and technology development. The squadron accelerates the transition of new capabilities to the naval enterprise, ensuring a decisive advantage for the warfighter.
The H-SUP system offers a portable fuel cell electric generator with greater energy per weight than batteries and lower audible and thermal signatures. The system supports distributed operations, extends mission range, and increases lethality of the force.
The study found a strong correlation between solar corona brightness and CME velocities, with bright regions related to slower CMEs. This discovery could significantly improve space weather forecasting and mitigate the impacts of geomagnetic storms and solar particle events.
NRL engineers David Raudales and Christopher So received the Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers of the Year Award for their groundbreaking work in sonar technologies and underwater adhesives, respectively. Their research has far-reaching implications for the Navy's ability to operate effectively in complex environments.
Naval Research Laboratory internships provide students with cutting-edge research experiences and opportunities for career growth. With real-world applications in national defense and future careers, these programs offer students the chance to advance their innovation.
The Parker Solar Probe team received the 2024 Robert J. Collier Trophy for their record-breaking solar encounter, which included a closest approach of 3.8 million miles above the Sun's surface. The mission provided groundbreaking data and imagery on the solar wind, heliosphere, and coronal mass ejections.
Christian Jones, a Naval Research Lab electronics engineer, received the 2024 Robert T. Hill Best Dissertation Award for his dissertation on robust and efficient structure-based radar receive processing. His research focuses on improving the robustness and efficiency of advanced radar signal processing techniques to provide warfighters...
Scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory are working with NASA to better understand pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which can inject smoke into the upper atmosphere and alter weather patterns. The Injected Smoke and Pyrocumulonimbus Experiment (INSPYRE) aims to enhance predictive weather modeling through detailed analysis of wildfire-induc...
A powerful Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun, initiating a severe geomagnetic storm alert for Earth. The event was observed by NRL's space-based instrumentation and highlighted the importance of CME research in understanding the conditions of the Earth's magnetosphere.
A global team tracked an unusual object emitting pulses of radio waves and X-rays lasting two minutes in the Milky Way galaxy. The object, ASKAP J1832-0911, is a long-period transient (LPT) located 15,000 light-years from Earth.
Dr. John Michopoulos received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his 35-year contributions to Navy science and technology, including groundbreaking research in multiphysics and multiscale modeling. His work enhanced the Navy's capabilities for high-throughput material characterization and performance prediction.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) showcased its six emerging technologies, including materials and energy innovations, electronics advancements, and tropical cyclone prediction methods. Industry attendees gained valuable insights into NRL's research efforts and networking opportunities.
The Institute for Nanoscience at NRL hosted its annual proposal planning meeting to foster intellectual curiosity and build connections among researchers, with a focus on building impactful proposals that could lead to breakthroughs. The event showcased successful project outcomes, including publications, patents, and transition efforts.
The US Naval Research Laboratory's NIKE laser-target facility is realigning its focus to support the DoD's nuclear strategic priorities. The facility, originally designed for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion research, now aims to simulate extreme environments that nuclear assets must navigate.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is hosting a family-friendly event to demonstrate military medical innovations, including virtual reality and medical simulation. The exhibit features devices developed to combat COVID-19 and protect against deadly insects.
The US Naval Research Laboratory showcased its latest advancements in defense technology, including the OmniGlobe, a large spherical display visualizing Earth's environmental data. NRL's PROTEUS tool provides near real-time global tracking and analysis of maritime vessels.
The NRL's Narrow Field Imager (NFI) has captured its first light images, primarily focused on calibrating the instrument and confirming pointing accuracy. The NFI will enable scientists to study the Sun's corona in unprecedented detail, helping to understand and predict coronal mass ejections.
The Naval Research Laboratory will present emerging defense technologies, including compact coronographs and quantum navigation, at the Sea-Air-Space Conference. The NRL's hypersonic wind tunnel and Space Technologies will also be showcased.
The NRL-developed Narrow Field Imager is a compact coronagraph that will image the transition of the Sun's atmosphere to the solar wind, gaining insights into space plasma environments. The PUNCH mission aims to improve prediction and mitigation of space weather events like coronal mass ejections.
The StarBurst Multimessenger Pioneer will detect short-duration bursts of gamma-rays from neutron star mergers, providing fundamental insight into these extreme explosions. With an effective area four times greater than the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor, it will increase the detection rate of EM counterparts to NS mergers.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's four PECASE recipients made groundbreaking contributions to next-generation energy storage and solid fuel combustion, expanding the nation's energy density portable energy storage capabilities and optimizing propulsion systems.
The NRL's Mercury Pulsed Power Facility has enabled significant advancements in flash x-ray radiography and nuclear material detection. The facility has been used to develop advanced flash radiography sources and detectors for the Department of Energy and Department of Defense.
Arati Dasgupta, a leading atomic and plasma physicist at NRL, has been elevated to IEEE Fellow for her groundbreaking research in high-energy density plasmas, atomic physics, and radiation materials. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of extreme environments and their applications.
NRL oceanographers received a Group Achievement Award from NASA for their collaboration with S-MODE, providing real-time ocean model forecasts and glider guidance. The project successfully observed and forecasted ocean features that are too small to see from space, allowing scientists to better understand the global earth system.
Loral O'Hara, a NASA astronaut, visited the Naval Research Laboratory to share her 200+ day mission aboard the International Space Station. She discussed her daily routine, scientific research, and the challenges faced by the crew, highlighting the importance of space exploration for advancing human knowledge.
The US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) will present its latest advancements in Earth and space sciences at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Conference. NRL researchers will share their work on topics such as atmospheric data assimilation, ocean sciences, and geostationary ocean color.
Seven NRL researchers received LUCI fellowships for innovative projects in materials science, including Adam Dunkelberger's work on anisotropic materials and John Lyons' research on infrared tin-germanium alloys. The fellowships support collaborative efforts between academia and the DoD to advance basic research priorities.
Cmdr. J. Aaron Roberts handed over command to Cmdr. Luis A. Levine after leading the squadron for a year, achieving over 1,500 mishap-free flight hours and supporting vital science and technology projects. The new CO has vowed to carry on the tradition of premier airborne science and technology support.