Rendering of AFRL Space Vehicles new Space facility, the Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development (RAPID) laboratory. Construction contractor is Eagle Eye LLC. Architect is Studio Southwest Architects. Courtesy/Studio Southwest Architects

AFRL News:

KIRTLAND AFB — The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 12 at Bldg. 595, Aberdeen Ave. SE at Kirtland Air Force Base, opening the directorate’s new Space lab, the Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development (RAPID) laboratory.

The $7,326 million lab is nearly 14,000 square feet, and will support the development of technology through modeling and simulation and streamlined acquisition processes to meet the needs of the U.S. Space Force. It will bring together several space organizations at Kirtland to include AFRL, the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, Space Rapid Capabilities Office and Space Systems Command. 

Col. Eric Felt the director of the AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate will host the event with AFRL staff, colleagues, and distinguished visitors in attendance.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.