Space Systems and Technology

We develop technology to meet the challenges of an increasingly congested and contested space domain. Our engineers design, prototype, operate, and assess systems that detect, track, identify, and characterize resident space objects. Given the potential for conventional conflict to extend to space, we conduct R&D on concepts and systems that will provide space mission resilience.

Space Control - Ensuring critical U.S. space activities

Advanced Capabilities and Technologies
Advanced Electro-Optical Systems
Advanced Sensors and Techniques
Applied Space Systems
Information Integration and Decision Support
Space Systems Analysis and Test

We research and develop technology for advanced satellite systems that are used to monitor the activity of objects in space and to perform remote sensing of Earth.

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Lincoln Laboratory supports Missile Defense Agency space sensor testing

Dec 11

A computer-generated image of the AXIS telescope in space.

In the Media

AXIS mission selected as NASA Astrophysics Probe competition finalist

Oct 29

MIT News

Commemorative photograph with the Children's Selection Committee members.

In the Media

"Torifune" is the new name for asteroid 2001 CC21

Oct 1

Hayabusa Project

More News

a photo of a small satellite in a studio

weather

TROPICS

A constellation of small satellites is collecting rapidly refreshed weather data to advance studies of hurricane structure and intensity and improve forecasts.

Imagery from the GOES-16 Advanced Baseline Imager

environmental monitoring

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Series

The Laboratory's long-term collaboration with NOAA and NASA on environmental monitoring satellites has led to revolutionized weather imagery and products and improved detection for space and solar phenomena.

space situational awareness

Haystack Ultrawideband Satellite Imaging Radar

Lincoln Laboratory created the world's highest-resolution radar for imaging of space objects in support of space situational awareness.

For installation aboard a launch vehicle, a space telescope using technology developed for DISCIT will fold up into the compact shape seen at the left, but will expand its segmented sparse subapertures, right, once deployed.

integrated systems

Deployable In-Space Coherent Imaging Telescope

Technologies enabling the deployment of an expandable telescope from a small spacecraft could pave the way for the development of other payloads for small satellites.

More Projects

It’s a satisfying feeling to know you were part of the team that helped fix an issue.

Noah Stein

Technician

Space Systems and Technology

Advanced Sensors and Techniques

A photograph of Noah Stein standing in front of a radar.

“I can't help getting deep into a difficult problem — and the fact that I'm working on real-world space problems for the benefit of national security makes it that much more rewarding to me.

Rafael Monardez

Orbital Analyst

Space Systems and Technology

Advanced Sensors and Techniques

The flexibility at the Lab to work on diverse problems is a wonderful thing. You can work in a variety of technical fields. All you have to do is meet the right people down the hall and ask if they need help.