The Evolution of the USU Research Foundation and the Space Dynamics Lab January 28, 2015 1
Research Foundation Trustees Richard L. Shipley Robert T. Behunin David A. Bell David T. Cowley Jeffery B. Edwards Chairman Christine E. Hailey Lynn W. Heninger Roderick J. Linton Mark R. McLellan 2
Research Foundation Organization 3
Space Dynamics Lab Organization 4
Research Foundation/SDL at a Glance Founded in 1959 Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) owned by Utah State University $66.7 M FY14 Revenue 480 employees ~380 professional staff ~100 university student employees 430+ Successful Space missions Satellite-based sensor systems Shuttle and ISS instruments Sounding rocket payloads Over a Decade of C 4 ISR Missions Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance UAV and aircraft-based sensor suites In-theater C 4 ISR hardware and software systems 220,000 ft 2 state-of-the-art facilities One of 14 University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) in the Nation Sponsored by MDA One of the six original DoD UARCs 5
A University Affiliated Research Center What is a UARC? Contract R&D center affiliated with a university (1996) Provides or maintains essential core capabilities for DoD UARC concept put in place to help maintain capabilities critical for DoD current & future needs UARCs have non-overlapping core competencies Receives sole-source DoD funding > $2M annually under authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(3)(B) Maintains a strategic relationship with DoD Responds to evolving sponsor requirements Broad corporate knowledge UARC provides ease of access to technical expertise Independent assessment and development of technology Transfer technology to industry University affiliation Access to scientific and academic resources Develop next generation workforce Access to cost effective talent pool 6
SDL s Core Competencies UARC Core Competencies Electro-optical sensor systems research and development Innovative sensor components and systems Cryo-systems, thermal design, development, and handling Data processing, handling, and analysis Program management Sensor calibration, characterization, test and evaluation Ground, airborne and space rated instruments and payloads development, test and evaluation, integration, validation and operations Data compression/decompression and data visualization for sensor analysis, data exploitation and data fusion Phenomenology measurements, modeling, and simulation Sensor modeling and simulation Small/micro satellite sensor systems and components. SDL also provides unique and vital tactical C 4 ISR development, analysis, full life-cycle support, training, and direct support in the following areas: Ground Stations and Exploitation Software Tactical Manned and UAV-Capable Sensor Systems Mission Support Hardware Flight Testing and Planning Cyber Security 7
The Winds of Change The Evolution of the Research Foundation Designated as a UARC (1996) Evolving Revenue by Division Customer Evolution Workforce Evolution Evolving Program Types Evolution of Non-SDL Revenue Although men are accused of not knowing their own weakness, yet perhaps few know their own strength. It is in men as in soils, where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not of. - Jonathan Swift If most of us remain ignorant of ourselves, it is because self-knowledge is painful and we prefer the pleasures of illusion. - Aldous Huxley (1894-1963), The Perennial Philosophy Evolving SDL Locations 8
Changing Division Revenue ($) 2005 2014 9
Changing Division Revenue (%) 2005 2014 10
Changing Customers 2005 2014 11
Changing Workforce 30.00% 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% Calibration Eng Electrical Eng E/O Eng Mechanical Eng Software Eng Scientist Systems Eng Technologist 2004 2014 12
Changing Program Types 2% 15% 41% 57% 85% 2005 2014 Classified Unclassified Restricted Classified Unclassified Restricted 13
Research Foundation Revenue Sources 14
2005 SDL Locations 15
2014 SDL Locations 16
Recognizing the Elephant in the Room In the past, it has been assumed that Research Foundation growth will come through new ventures New ventures BSL, WDL, & EDL were not sustainable, SDL and its role as a UARC has not been understood so it has been easier to focus on new ventures, SDL has done well in the past so it has been left alone. Growth, in the near-term, will need to come through SDLs current role as a trusted agent of the government UARC -> low risk for low margins, We won t get rich, but students will be trained, and both the Cache Valley s economy and USU s reputation will be enhanced! 17
Identifying and Pursuing our Strengths Focus on building the strengths and core competencies of SDL Current SDL customers are changing to embrace value, SDL s reputation is stronger than ever, Increase effort pursuing government opportunities, Increase effort pursuing data-driven opportunities, Aggressively pursue science-based opportunities. Continue to look for commercial opportunities that make sense Continue to understand and develop the IP created through SDL IR&D and contracts. Enhance the relationship with USU College of Engineering sponsored liaison with SDL, USU/SDL Seminar Series (two seminars/month), 10 Research Foundation/SDL employees teaching USU courses, Faculty consulting/contract work/ir&d, Students: graduate & undergraduate fellowship programs, Focus on undergraduate science & engineering retention. There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures. - Julius Caesar Act 4, scene 3 18
Internal Research & Development Potential Areas for Space Dynamics Lab Internal Research & Development C 4 ISR Customer s Strategic Vision Civil Space Customer s Strategic Vision Military Space Customer s Strategic Vision Systems Calibration Customer s Strategic Vision Potential Opportunities For SDL 19
Potential Research Collaboration Topics Software engineering and re-engineering of software to maximize performance in DoD systems Software algorithm development for tracking between multiple sensors and systems Meta Materials and designing next generational materials into current systems. Cryptography, Cyber Analytics and High Speed Networks (data assimilation) Modular open systems and architectures Quantum lasers, quantum communications. Next generation sensors and systems Space environmental sensing and modeling Miniaturization and power efficiency gains for use in small satellites. 20
Take Away Messages The USU Research Foundation/SDL is a separate not-for-profit and not an academic research center. The USU Research Foundation/SDL are not subsidized by the university or state and live exclusively on the contracts they are awarded. SDL has embraced it s role as a UARC and a trusted agent of the government. SDL has expanded it s core capabilities to include software development. The USU Research Foundation and SDL are looking for ways to collaborate with USU faculty on our R&D contracts. The USU Research Foundation and SDL are looking for ways to enhance and support the teaching mission of the colleges of engineering and science. The USU Research Foundation and SDL are looking for ways to enhance the work and learning experience for the students they hire. The USU Research Foundation and SDL will continue to support student related projects and activities in the colleges of engineering and science. 21
Thank You 22