About SDL

SDL, a Unit of the USU Research Foundation, is a nonprofit research corporation owned by Utah State University. Charged with applying basic research to the technology challenges presented in the military and science arenas, SDL has developed revolutionary solutions that are changing the way the world collects and uses data. SDL continues to lead the way in the development of sensors and supporting technologies. Some examples of SDL’s innovations include the following:

• Developed and operated the first successful space–borne, solid–hydrogen cooled IR sensor
• Enabled significant advances in data compression ratios and quality
• Developed real–time reconnaissance data visualization hardware and software for operational military applications
• Delivered thousands of successful sensors and subsystems for over 400 space–borne and aircraft–based payloads
• Initiated, in a joint effort with USU, the first student involvement program for the Shuttle
• Serves as the DoD University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) for sensors and supporting technologies

Working with the Space Dynamics Laboratory

As a nonprofit research corporation owned by Utah State University, SDL offers cost effective, rapid-response solutions to the technology challenges faced by the military, the science community, industry and academia.

• SDL employs nearly 400 scientists, engineers and other skilled professionals
• Our customers include Department of Defense, NASA, Department of Homeland Security, the Intelligence Community, and industry
• Over the past five decades, SDL has designed, manufactured and calibrated more than 1,000 successful sensors on over 400 missions
• With three locations to serve customer needs, SDL’s 200,000+ square feet of comprehensive facilities include:
  • Environmental testing laboratories
  • Class-100 clean rooms
  • Contamination control equipped integration high bays
  • Electronics fabrication laboratories
  • State-of-the-art calibration systems

SDL's core areas of expertise include the following:

• Calibration
• Cryogenic and thermal management
• Small satellites and satellite systems
• Systems engineering
• Sensor system performance modeling and simulation
• Space rated instruments and payloads
• Data handling, compression, and analysis
• Upper atmospheric measurements and modeling