BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Auburn University’s Applied Research Institute (AUARI) has secured an $11.4 million contract from the Department of Defense’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in November that will be used to establish the nation’s only university-led radiation hardening, or rad hardening facility.
The facility, located in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park, will help ensure the reliability of military technology in space environments with extreme radiation, according to university officials.
U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, helped secure funding for the project.
“That this will be the only university in the nation doing this incredibly important work reinforces the state of Alabama’s reputation — and particularly Auburn University’s reputation — as a leader in aerospace and defense research,” Rogers said. “I think it’s safe to say that few schools are better positioned for this sort of project.”
Auburn officials say the project will strengthen national defense capabilities.
“The capacity to test the microelectronics necessary for sustaining and improving MDA’s space assets is crucial to the future of national defense,” said Steve Taylor, Auburn’s senior vice president for research and economic development.
“This new facility will provide testing that will allow us to evaluate the possible effects of extreme radiation exposure.”
AUARI principal research scientist Melanie Baker highlighted the strategic location of the facility near Redstone Arsenal and the gap the institute will fill.
“Establishing a radiation hardening test facility just outside the gates of Redstone Arsenal will provide a regional testing capability to address this national shortage,” Baker said.
Scott Shifrin, MDA’s acting director for innovation, science, and technology, emphasized the value of their research partnership with AUARI and the impact and expertise the institute offers. “This robust testing will ensure future capabilities are successful operating in a variety of environments,” Shifrin said.