United States Naval Research Laboratory facts for kids

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U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Aerial view in 2021

Established

1923

Research type

Basic and Applied Research

Budget

$1.1 billion

Field of research

National security
Fundamental science

Director

Dr. Bruce Danly

Staff

2,538 civilian
86 military (2015)

Location

Washington, D.C., United States
38°49′21″N 77°01′30″W / 38.82250°N 77.02500°W

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Active	1923–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy United States Marine Corps
Type	Research
Commanders
Commander	Capt. Jesse H. Black
Director of Research	Dr. Bruce Danly

Naval Research Laboratory seal used before 2016

The United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is a special science lab for the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. It started in 1923. Scientists and engineers at NRL do many kinds of research. They work on basic science, new technologies, and building early versions of inventions.

NRL is known for its work in plasma physics (studying hot, charged gases), space physics (studying space), materials science (making new materials), and electronic warfare (using electronics in battle). It was one of the first government science labs in the U.S. Thomas Edison helped start it. Today, it is part of the Office of Naval Research.

Exploring Science at NRL

Part of the Naval Research Laboratory main campus in Washington, D.C. The prominent dish antenna is often used as a symbol of the laboratory.

The Naval Research Laboratory does a lot of different research. This research helps the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Every year, NRL scientists write over 1,200 research papers. These papers are shared at conferences and in science magazines.

NRL has made many important discoveries and inventions since 1923. Some of their military inventions were kept secret for a long time. They were only revealed many years after they were widely used.

In 2008, NRL was ranked third in the U.S. for patents related to nanotechnology. This is the science of working with tiny materials.

Key Research Areas

NRL works on many exciting areas of science. Here are some examples:

Advanced sensors for radio, light, and heat.
Autonomous systems (robots and machines that can act on their own).
Computer science, cognitive science (how the mind works), and artificial intelligence.
Ways to improve communication, like radio and internet.
Technology that uses focused energy, like powerful lasers.
Making electronic devices better.
Electronic warfare to protect and help military operations.
Making naval systems last longer and work better.
How the environment affects Navy equipment.
How humans and robots work together.
Systems for taking and understanding images.
Keeping information safe (Information security).
Studying the Earth's oceans and land under the sea.
New materials for different uses.
Meteorology (weather forecasting).
Sound in the ocean.
Oceanography (studying the ocean).
Plasma physics (studying superheated gases).
Space systems and technology.
Technology for watching and sensing things.
Technology for underwater use.

In 2014, NRL was researching many new things. This included special armor, powerful lasers, and ways to find hidden explosives. They also worked on railgun technology and detecting nuclear materials. Other projects included graphene devices, advanced batteries, and human-robot interaction.

NRL has special labs for its research. These include a very clean room for making tiny devices. They also have quiet labs for measurements. The Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research (LASR) is another important facility.

Amazing Discoveries and Inventions

This building on NRL's main campus features prominent radomes on its roof

NRL has made many important contributions to science and technology.

Space Science and Satellites

NRL has a long history of building spacecraft. They helped launch some of America's first satellites. These include the second, fifth, and seventh U.S. satellites to orbit Earth. They also built the first solar-powered satellite. NRL created the first satellite to watch the weather and the first GPS satellite.

Project Vanguard was the first American satellite program. NRL designed and launched its first satellite in 1958. This satellite, Vanguard I, is still in orbit today. It is the longest-lasting human-made satellite. Vanguard II was the first satellite to see Earth's clouds. This made it the first weather satellite.

NRL's GRAB I satellite was the first U.S. intelligence satellite. It mapped out radar networks from space. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was invented at NRL. NRL's Timation satellites helped test GPS. The first working GPS satellite was built by NRL.

NRL also led the way in studying the sun's ultraviolet and X-ray light. They continue this work with satellites like Coriolis. They also work on the Tactical Satellite Program.

NRL designed the first system to track satellites, called Minitrack. This system became the model for future satellite tracking networks. Before satellites, NRL used a large antenna to bounce signals off the Moon. This was for long-distance communication and to listen to Soviet transmissions during the Cold War.

Today, NRL still designs spacecraft. They also create instruments for space research. Examples include the WISPR camera on the Parker Solar Probe. They also work on the LASCO experiment on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). NRL scientists have also studied novas and gamma-ray bursts.

Weather Forecasting

NRL satellite image of hurricane Harvey just prior to landfall on the Texas coast, 2017.

The Marine Meteorology Division of NRL is in Monterey, California. They help forecast weather around the world. They share images from 18 weather satellites. Satellite images of big storms, like hurricanes, often come from NRL. This was seen during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. NRL also helps create weather forecasting models.

New Materials and Technologies

NRL has a long history of working with materials. In the 1920s, they used X-rays to check metal parts of Navy ships. This helped find hidden flaws. NRL also helped create modern fracture mechanics. This science helps design strong materials for things like nuclear reactors, aircraft, and submarines.

NRL developed a way to make very pure GaAs crystals. These crystals are used in cell phones, satellite systems, and military radar. NRL's GaAs inventions were used by many big companies. Pure GaAs is also used in solar cells for spacecraft, like the Mars rovers.

NRL scientists discovered hydrogen from solar wind in moon soil samples. This was from NASA's Apollo missions.

NRL also helped develop stealth technology. This includes materials that absorb radar waves. They also found ways to make Navy engine parts last longer. Special coatings developed by NRL are used in fuel tanks on Navy ships. These coatings prevent leaks and keep fuel clean. They are also used on submarine radar domes to repel water.

Scientists at NRL often research new materials. This includes magnetic materials and nanomaterials (super tiny materials).

Radar Technology

The first modern U.S. radar was invented at NRL in 1922. By 1939, the first working radar was put on the USS New York. Radar helped the Navy win important battles in World War II. NRL also developed over-the-horizon radar. This radar can see things far away. NRL's Radar Division continues to do important research for the U.S. Navy.

Electronic Warfare

NRL's Tactical Electronic Warfare (TEW) Division works on electronic warfare. This means using electronics to support Navy missions. They develop ways to detect, block, and counter enemy electronic signals. This includes systems for air, sea, and ground warfare. NRL is also responsible for the identification, friend or foe (IFF) system. This system helps identify friendly aircraft or ships.

Keeping Information Safe

The Information Technology Division at NRL has a group that works on information security. They developed the IP Security (IPsec) protocols. These are used for secure internet connections, like virtual private networks (VPNs). Many projects developed by NRL become widely used without people knowing NRL created them. One example is onion routing, which is the main idea behind the Tor software for anonymous internet use.

Nuclear Research

NRL started researching nuclear power in 1939. This was six years before the first atomic bomb. Their goal was to power submarines. NRL's work on uranium enrichment methods helped the Manhattan Project. This project built the first atomic bombs. Today, NRL is working on laser techniques for inertial confinement fusion. This is a way to create energy like the sun.

Physical Sciences

The static discharger seen on airplane wings was developed by NRL scientists. This device helps prevent static electricity buildup. After World War II, NRL developed modern synthetic lubricants. These were first used in Navy jet aircraft. Later, they were used in commercial jets too.

In the 1960s, NRL studied very low temperatures. In 1967, they reached a temperature just one millionth of a degree above absolute zero. In 1985, two NRL scientists, Herbert A. Hauptman and Jerome Karle, won the Nobel Prize. They found a way to use X-rays to figure out the structure of crystals. Their methods are now used worldwide to analyze thousands of new substances each year.

NRL has also researched quantum computing, quantum dots, and plasma shockwaves. They also study how oil spills behave.

NRL has a small group of research aircraft called Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1. These planes have special instruments. For example, they were used to map Afghanistan and find natural resources.

Plasma Science

The Division of Plasma Physics studies ionized matter (plasma). NRL holds the world record for the most powerful rail gun projectile. They also have the record for the fastest human-made projectile.

Artificial Intelligence

NRL started the Navy Center for Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence in 1981. This center studies artificial intelligence, how the mind works, and how humans interact with robots. They have made progress in areas like cognitive architectures and machine learning.

How NRL is Organized

As of 2017, NRL has four research groups and two support groups. All the main offices are in Washington, D.C. Many groups also have facilities in other places. These include the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi and Monterey, California.

Staff at NRL

Most people who work at NRL are civilians. A smaller number are Navy or Marine Corps personnel. Most NRL staff are U.S. citizens. NRL also has contractors who work on site. As of 2015, NRL had about 2,540 civilian employees. They also had 35 military officers and 58 enlisted personnel.

NRL has a special pay system for its civilian employees. This allows them to pay employees based on how well they perform. This is different from the usual government pay system. Many scientists and engineers at NRL have advanced degrees. In 2016, 870 employees had doctorates, 417 had master's degrees, and 576 had bachelor's degrees.

NRL also hosts researchers who have just finished their PhDs. In 2013, NRL was ranked among the best places for these researchers to work.

Research Groups

The four main research groups at NRL are:

The Systems Directorate (Code 5000): This group works on basic research and engineering. Their goal is to improve the U.S. Navy's abilities. They have divisions for Radar, Information Technology, Optical Sciences, and Tactical Electronic Warfare.
The Materials Science and Component Technology Directorate (Code 6000): This group studies materials. They want to understand materials better to develop new and improved ones for the Navy. They have divisions for Chemistry, Material Science, Plasma Physics, and more.
The Ocean and Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate (Code 7000): This group researches oceans and the atmosphere. They study acoustics (sound), remote sensing, oceanography, and weather.
The Naval Center for Space Technology (Code 8000): This group focuses on using NRL technologies in space systems. They help develop and get space systems ready for use.

Support Groups

Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1) NP-3D Orion.

NRL also has two support groups:

The Executive Directorate: This group is led by the Commander of NRL, usually a U.S. Navy Captain. It includes the Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1). This squadron operates research aircraft for NRL and other government agencies.
The Business Operations Directorate: This group manages the business side of NRL. They handle contracts, money, and supplies for the science projects.

Nanoscience Institute

In 2001, NRL created the Institute for Nanoscience. This institute brings together scientists from different fields. They work together on research in materials, electronics, and biology at a very tiny scale.

Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research (LASR)

The Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research has a Tropical High Bay that is a 60-foot by 40-foot greenhouse, and it contains a re-creation of a southeast Asian rain forest. In the Tropical High Bay, temperatures average 80 degrees with 80 percent humidity year round.

Opened in 2012, the Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research (LASR) is a large facility. It supports research on systems that can act on their own. This includes intelligent robots, how humans work with autonomous systems, and new sensors.

LASR has special areas that look like different environments. These include a tropical rainforest, a desert, and a forest. This allows scientists to test robots and systems in realistic settings.

NRL Locations

An aerial view of the NRL complex in 2012. The area shown contains the oldest five buildings on the campus.

The main campus of NRL is in Washington, D.C.. It is located by the Potomac River.

NRL also has several other locations:

NRL-South is in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. It focuses on oceanography and marine geology.
NRL-Monterey is in Monterey, California. It specializes in meteorology and atmospheric research.
The Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 is in Lexington Park, Maryland. They operate many types of research aircraft.
The Chesapeake Bay Detachment (CBD) in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland is a site for research in radar, electronic warfare, and materials.
Other sites include the Midway Research Center in Quantico, Virginia, and the Blossom Point Satellite Tracking and Command Station in Blossom Point, Maryland. These are used by NRL's Naval Center for Space Technology.
The Marine Corrosion Facility in Key West, Florida studies how materials break down in salt water.

NRL's History

Early Days

Long ago, the land where NRL is now was home to early people. Tools and pottery found there show this. The land became part of Washington, D.C., in 1791. Later, during the Civil War, a fort was built there. In 1873, the government bought the land.

How NRL Began

NRL in 1923, the year it was founded, showing the first five buildings on its campus

The idea for the Naval Research Laboratory came from Thomas Edison. In 1915, he wrote that the government should have a big research lab. This lab would help develop military and naval technology. Edison then helped create the Naval Consulting Board. This board advised the Navy on science and technology. In 1916, Congress set aside money for the lab.

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory officially opened on July 2, 1923. Its first two groups studied radio and sound. They made communication equipment, sonar, and the first practical radar in the U.S. They also helped discover the ionosphere, a part of Earth's atmosphere. Over time, NRL grew and added more science groups.

World War II and Growth

NRL in 1944, after significant wartime growth

During World War II, NRL grew very quickly. The number of employees jumped from 396 in 1941 to 4,400 in 1946. They focused on practical research to help the war effort. They made advances in radio, radar, and sonar. They also created new lubricants and special paints. NRL also helped produce a type of uranium needed for one of the first atomic bombs.

After the War

After World War II, the U.S. wanted to keep its strong connection between the military and science. The Navy created the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in 1946. NRL was placed under ONR. This allowed NRL to focus more on long-term basic and applied research in all areas of physical science.

Modern Era

NRL in 2001

In 1992, another lab, the Naval Oceanographic and Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NOARL), joined NRL. This made NRL the main Navy center for oceanographic and atmospheric research. They became experts in oceanography, marine geology, and weather.

100 Years of Service

On July 2, 2023, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory celebrated 100 years. For a century, NRL has changed how the U.S. military operates. It has improved capabilities and prevented surprises in technology. NRL has also shared important technology with industries. Its inventions, like the first U.S. radar, the first intelligence satellite, and the first working GPS satellite, have had a huge impact.

Environmental Care

The Navy started looking into environmental conditions at NRL in 1984. The Maryland Department of the Environment helps oversee this work. Since the early 2010s, the Navy and the department have worked together. They have investigated and cleaned up areas on base. This includes former fire testing areas and small arms ranges.