Sandia National Laboratories Space

Sandia National Laboratories, founded in 1949 and based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a national laboratory focused on delivering science and technology solutions for U.S. national security challenges. A core area of expertise is the development of space nuclear systems, though the laboratory’s broader portfolio encompasses a wide range of research and engineering capabilities. Sandia leverages its unique foundation in nuclear weapons programs to address complex problems across multiple domains, including national security, energy, and infrastructure.

Notably, Sandia is actively involved in space-based nuclear detonation detection, with recent launches of its Global Burst Detection system. The laboratory also conducts research into advanced technologies like artificial intelligence for grid protection and quantum computing education. Sandia’s work extends to flight testing and validation, as demonstrated by successful tests of the B61-12 weapon system on F-35 aircraft.

Sandia National Laboratories positions itself as a primary resource for the U.S. government, striving to be the first point of contact for technology solutions to critical national and global security threats. Its long history and diverse research capabilities suggest a significant role in both fundamental research and applied engineering for national security applications.