Principal Accomplishments

  • After the integration of the major subassemblies of the Haystack Ultrawideband Satellite Imaging Radar (HUSIR) antenna, the primary reflector surface, comprising 104 subframe and panel assemblies, was installed. The fine alignment of the antenna surface will allow efficient operation of the radar at W-band.

Thermoplastic parts are being built using a fused deposition modeling production system located in the Laboratory's new rapid prototyping facility. The system is used to rapidly produce parts and iterate designs, including fabrication of functional parts using advanced high-strength materials.

 

  • Lincoln Laboratory began assembly, integration, and testing of the qualification version of a 5-inch optical module for high-data-rate laser communication from space. Following qualification module assembly, the flight version of the module for the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration will be built.

  • Laboratory engineers built an innovative system for detecting chemical or biological agents within shipping containers. The system, which is designed to be mounted on a large crane, was demonstrated on a crane test bed.

  • An advanced laser radar system for ground mapping was integrated into a Gulfstream 3 aircraft for operational use.

  • The Laboratory assembled and tested an enhanced track illuminator laser for the Airborne Laser Test Bed.

  • The first phase in the development of an autonomous system for leading mounted patrols was completed. The system incorporates GPS waypoint following and automated station-keeping on a follower vehicle.

  • Lincoln Laboratory successfully developed a state-of-the-art process for attaching ceramic column grid array devices to printed circuit boards for use in spacecraft. Samples were tested to failure, and the process was endorsed by outside experts.

  • Two new cleanroom facilities were constructed to support a growing number of satellite payload system developments. Both cleanrooms are in heavy use for the assembly of space-based optical systems.

  • To further modernize the Laboratory’s fabrication and assembly equipment, a custom-designed system for washing and cleaning printed circuit board assemblies, thermal cycling ovens, new thermal vacuum chambers, and a Nikon desktop scanning electron microscope were purchased.

 

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