Trusted Partner
SDL was designated as one of the six original University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) in 1996. Our sponsor and university partnerships provide strategic, long-term collaboration that advances our UARC mission.
Sponsor
We are sponsored by the US Space Force (USSF) through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration (SAF/SQ). As a UARC and trusted Government partner, we ensure that our essential core competencies strategically align with the USSF and the Department of War (DoW).
University
We are a nonprofit research corporation wholly owned by Utah State University (USU). Our relationship and active research efforts align with our mission, core competencies, and strategic thrust areas, strengthening research depth and developing the next generation of cleared, mission-ready talent.
Our Impact
As threats evolve and challenges become more complex, our trusted relationships and strategic investments enable our ability to rapidly transition technology to operational capability.
Partners
We prioritize collaboration with Government, UARCs, Federally Funded Research Development Centers (FFRDCs), academia, industry, and commercial partners to advance enduring, mission-focused technical capabilities.
Investments
We strategically invest in our technical workforce, physical and digital infrastructure, and world-class facilities that support mission readiness and programmatic needs. Our experts conduct research and development grounded in our core competency areas; provide rapid innovation through applied engineering and thought leadership; and mentor the next generation of student scholars and interns.
Technical Transitions
We provide technical expertise that can be rapidly transitioned to operational environments and grant unlimited rights to our Government partners. We routinely present at Government-sponsored technical forums, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and lead workshops on topics aligned with our core competencies.
Core Competencies
Our 11 UARC core competencies are organized into five focus areas to provide technical depth and clarity. Click on a competency area below to read its related core competencies.
