Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

{{short description|University-affiliated research center}} {{Use American English|date=June 2017}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2017}} {{Infobox Laboratory | name = The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC | motto = Critical Contributions to Critical Challenges | image = JHU APL logo.svg | established = 1942 | director = [[David Van Wie (engineer)|Dave Van Wie]] | city = [[North Laurel, Maryland|Laurel]], [[Maryland]], U.S. | budget = $2.09 billion<ref>{{cite web|url=https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/2022-Annual-Report/2022-Annual-Report.pdf|title=2022 Annual Report|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory|access-date=January 6, 2024}}</ref> | type = Unclassified / classified | staff = 8,800<ref name=aboutapl>{{cite web|url=http://www.jhuapl.edu/About |title=About APL|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory|access-date=September 4, 2024}}</ref> | campus = | nobel_laureates = | operating_agency = [[Johns Hopkins University]] | website = {{URL|https://www.jhuapl.edu/}} }}

'''The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=USAspending.gov |url=https://www.usaspending.gov/recipient/4eae43e5-e1f1-0e77-b2fe-09a12a9a552c-C/latest |access-date=2026-05-18 |website=www.usaspending.gov |language=en}}</ref> (abbreviated as '''Applied Physics Laboratory''' or '''APL''') is a not-for-profit, [[United States Navy]]-sponsored, [[University Affiliated Research Center|university-affiliated research center]] (UARC) in [[Howard County, Maryland]], United States.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3850232/vice-chief-of-naval-operations-visits-johns-hopkins-applied-physics-laboratory/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250331000218/https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3850232/vice-chief-of-naval-operations-visits-johns-hopkins-applied-physics-laboratory/ |archive-date=2025-03-31 |work=United States Navy |language=en-US}}</ref>

APL is affiliated with [[Johns Hopkins University]] and employs more than 8,800 people as of 2025.<ref name=":3" /> APL conducts research, engineering and analysis to address national security and scientific challenges faced by the United States and its allies.<ref name=":0" /> The Laboratory brings together technical expertise, longstanding experience and specialized facilities to support rapid prototyping and long-term research and development. APL works across a range of domains, contributing to both operational systems and foundational science and technology.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Laboratory |first=Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics |title=2023 Annual Report |url=https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/2023-Annual-Report |access-date= |website=Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory |language=en}}</ref> [[File:APLAerialCampus-15-02012-1471-565x377.jpg|alt=Aerial view of the Johns Hopkins APL campus in Laurel, Maryland.|thumb|327x327px|Aerial view of the main Johns Hopkins APL campus in [[Laurel, Maryland]].]] The Laboratory serves as a technical resource for every branch of the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]],<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2025-06-16 |title=Johns Hopkins Lands $389M DARPA R&D, Engineering Contract |url=https://www.executivegov.com/articles/johns-hopkins-apl-darpa-contract-389m-rd-engineering |access-date= |website=www.executivegov.com |language=en-US}}</ref> the [[United States Intelligence Community|Intelligence Community]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Kristen |date=2025-03-04 |title=Johns Hopkins APL Says AI Can Improve Wargames Planning |url=https://www.executivegov.com/articles/applied-physics-lab-wargame-artificial-intelligence |access-date= |website=www.executivegov.com |language=en-US}}</ref> the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ribeiro |first=Anna |date=2024-08-22 |title=USCG, Johns Hopkins APL strengthen partnership to boost national defense and maritime security |url=https://industrialcyber.co/transport/uscg-johns-hopkins-apl-strengthen-partnership-to-boost-national-defense-and-maritime-security/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115170511/https://industrialcyber.co/transport/uscg-johns-hopkins-apl-strengthen-partnership-to-boost-national-defense-and-maritime-security/ |archive-date=2024-11-15 |access-date= |work=Industrial Cyber |language=en-US}}</ref> [[NASA]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barry |first=Rachel |date=March 6, 2025 |title=How NASA is using virtual reality to prepare for science on Moon |url=https://phys.org/news/2025-03-nasa-virtual-reality-science-moon.html |work=Phys.org}}</ref> and other government agencies, along with industry. APL has developed numerous systems and technologies in the areas of air and missile defense,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-05-17 |title=Van Wie to become next APL director |url=https://bizmonthly.com/news/business/people/2025/05/van-wie-to-become-next-apl-director/ |website=The Business Monthly |language=}}</ref> surface and undersea [[naval warfare]], [[computer security]], and [[Outline of space science|space science]] and spacecraft construction. The Lab's work spans 13 mission areas, including applications from undersea systems and cyber operations to biological sciences and space exploration. Multidisciplinary teams integrate domain expertise and systems engineering to support a range of government missions.<ref name=":1" />

==History== APL was established in 1942 during [[World War II]] under the [[Office of Scientific Research and Development]]'s Section T as part of the government's effort to mobilize the nation's science and engineering expertise within its universities. Its founding director was [[Merle Tuve|Merle Anthony Tuve]], who led Section T throughout the war.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Stein |first=J. M. |date=1975-09-15 |title=The effect of adrenaline and of alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocking agents on ATP concentration and on incorporation of 32Pi into ATP in rat fat cells |journal=Biochemical Pharmacology |volume=24 |issue=18 |pages=1659–1662 |doi=10.1016/0006-2952(75)90002-7 |issn=0006-2952 |pmid=12}}</ref> [[File:1942SilverSpringOffice.jpg|alt=The original APL facility on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland.|thumb|400x400px|The original APL facility on [[Georgia Avenue]] in [[Silver Spring, Maryland]], where the Laboratory opened during [[World War II]] and operated in the early [[Cold War|Cold War era]].]] Section T was created on Aug. 17, 1940. According to the official history of the Office of Scientific Research and Development, ''Scientists Against Time'', APL was the name of Section T's main laboratory from 1942 onward, not the name of the organization overall.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Feiveson |first=H.A. |title=Scientists Against Time: The Role of Scientists in World War II |publisher=Archway Publishing |year=2018 |location=United States }}</ref> Section T's Applied Physics Laboratory succeeded in developing the [[Proximity fuze|variable-time proximity fuze]], which played a significant role in the Allied victory.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Collier |first=Cameron |date=August 1999 |title=Tiny Miracle—The Proximity Fuze |url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/1999/august/tiny-miracle-proximity-fuze |work=U.S. Naval Institute}}</ref> In response to the fuze's success, APL created the MK 57 gun in 1944.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol. 34, No. 2 (2018) {{!}} Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/technical-digest/issues/vol-34-no-2-2018 |website=www.jhuapl.edu |language=en}}</ref>

Pleased with APL's work, the Navy tasked the Laboratory with the mission to find a way to negate guided missile threats. From then on, APL became heavily involved in air and missile defense research. Expected to disband at the end of the war, APL instead became deeply engaged in the development of guided missile technology for the Navy. At the government’s request, the University continued to maintain the Laboratory as a public service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Johns Hopkins Magazine -- April 2000 |url=https://pages.jh.edu/jhumag/0400web/10.html |website=pages.jh.edu}}</ref> [[File:00-01964 APL 66196 001 The Beast.jpg|alt=Johns Hopkins APL's early autonomous robot called "The Beast."|left|thumb|295x295px|In the 1960s, APL developed an early autonomous robot known as “[[Johns Hopkins Beast|The Beast]].” Built as an experiment in cybernetic behavior, the robot could recharge itself, avoid obstacles and detect light sources, marking a milestone in mobile robotics research.]] APL was originally located in [[Silver Spring, Maryland]] in a used-car garage<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last1=Hagler |first1=Michael L. |last2=Loesch |first2=James E. |last3=Kozak |first3=William E. |last4=Grose |first4=Ray W. |last5=Connelly |first5=Marc R. |title=The APL Campus: Past, Present, and Future |url=http://www.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/td2104/hagler.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060911232526/http://www.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/td2104/hagler.pdf |archive-date=September 11, 2006 |website=www.jhuapl.edu}}</ref> at the Wolfe Building at 8621 Georgia Avenue.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vFX-vGYz7FgC&pg=PA111|title=Historic Silver Spring|isbn=978-0-7385-4188-4|last1=McCoy|first1=Jerry A|last2 = Society|first2=Silver Spring Historical|date=November 2005|publisher=Arcadia }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gibson |first=R. E. |title=Reflections on the Origin and Early History of the Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/Content/techdigest/pdf/APL-V15-N02/APL-15-02-Gibson.pdf |website=jhuapl.edu}}</ref> APL began moving to Laurel in 1954 with the construction of a $2 million building and a $700,000 wing expansion in 1956. The final staff transitioned to the new facility in 1975. Before moving to Laurel, APL also maintained the “Forest Grove Station,” north of Silver Spring on Georgia Avenue near today's [[Forest Glen station|Forest Glen Metro]], which included a hypersonic wind tunnel.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=K. |first=Hill,F. |date=1948-02-27 |title=THE HYPERSONIC WIND TUNNEL AT THE APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY, THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD0659101 |journal=DTIC |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507234343/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD0659101 |archive-date=2021-05-07}}</ref> The Forest Grove Station was vacated and torn down in 1963, and flight simulations were moved to Laurel. In the 1960s, APL built two early and pioneering autonomous robots, or “mobile automatons,” called Ferdinand and the [[Johns Hopkins Beast]].

The Laboratory's name comes from its origins in [[World War II]], but APL's major strengths are [[systems engineering]] and prototyping solutions to complex [[national security]] and scientific challenges with technical expertise, [[research and development]], and analysis. More than 80% the staff are technical professionals, including nearly 1,500 Ph.Ds., and a majority of staff have degrees in engineering, math, computer science, physics, biology or similar fields.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |last3= |first3= |title=About Johns Hopkins APL |url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/about |website=www.jhuapl.edu |language=en}}</ref>

APL conducts programs in fundamental and applied research; exploratory and advanced development; test and evaluation; and [[systems engineering]] and integration.<ref name=":1" /> In addition to its sponsored work, APL maintains a robust internal research and development program that provides seed funding for exploration of innovative ideas and concepts to address the nation’s future challenges.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laboratory |first=Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics |title=2023 Annual Report |url=https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/2023-Annual-Report |website=Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory |language=en}}</ref>

== Wartime Contributions == During the 1950s and ‘60s, APL worked with the Navy on the Operation Bumblebee Program, which produced the [[RIM-2 Terrier]], [[RIM-8 Talos]], and [[RIM-24 Tartar]] surface-to-air missile systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blades |first=Todd |date=2023-04-20 |title=Technical Report—The Bumblebee Can Fly |url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/1988/september/technical-report-bumblebee-can-fly |website=U.S. Naval Institute |language=en}}</ref> The follow-on [[RIM-50 Typhon|Typhon]] missile project, based on improved Talos and Tartar missiles, was successful but was cancelled in 1963 because of high costs. It was eventually developed into the [[Standard Missile]] and the now well-known [[Aegis Combat System|Aegis combat system]], based on an improved Terrier.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-01 |title=Armaments & Innovations - The Typhon that Never Was |url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2017/june/armaments-innovations-typhon-never-was |website=U.S. Naval Institute |language=en}}</ref>

APL led the development of the transformational system needed to demonstrate [[ballistic missile defense]] (BMD) from the sea. The resulting experiments proved that BMD technology could be integrated with a Navy weapon system to “hit a bullet with a bullet” in space from sea.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Johns Hopkins University. Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://history.aip.org/phn/21607007.html |website=history.aip.org}}</ref>

In 1990, APL contributed to [[Operation Desert Storm]], including work in the Gulf Crisis Room and other efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory researches efficient forms of genocide |url=https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2025/02/hopkins-applied-physics-laboratory-researches-efficient-forms-of-genocide |website=The Johns Hopkins News-Letter |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Notable Contributions ==

* '''Transit Navigation System (1960s):''' Developed the world’s first satellite-based navigation system, laying the groundwork for today’s GPS.<ref name="timeandnavigation.si.edu">{{Cite web |title=The First Satellite Navigation System {{!}} Time and Navigation |url=http://timeandnavigation.si.edu/satellite-navigation/reliable-global-navigation/first-satellite-navigation-system |website=timeandnavigation.si.edu |language=en}}</ref> * '''[[Pershing II|Pershing]] (1965):''' Developed and implemented a test and evaluation program for the Pershing missile systems for the U.S. Army. APL developed the Pershing Operational Test Program (OTP), provided technical support to the Pershing Operational Test Unit (POTU), identified problem areas and improved the performance and survivability of the Pershing systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Test and Evaluation of Land-Mobile Missile Systems |url=http://www.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/TD/td1904/mentzer.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090832/http://www.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/TD/td1904/mentzer.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 |website=www.jhuapl.edu}}</ref> * '''AMFAR (1970s):''' Created the Adaptive Modular Phased Array Radar, contributing foundational technology for modern phased-array radar systems.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Phillips |first=C. C. |date= 1981|title=AEGIS - Advanced Multi-Function Array Radar |url=https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1981JHATD...2..246P/abstract |journal=Johns Hopkins APL Technical Digest |language=en |volume=2 |pages=246–249 |bibcode=1981JHATD...2..246P }}</ref> * '''Exploiting Undersea Physics (1970s–1980s):''' Advanced sonar array capabilities that enabled long-range detection of threat submarines and informed stealth design for the Navy. * '''SATRACK (1980s):''' Revolutionized ballistic missile testing by enabling high-precision tracking of missile trajectories using onboard instrumentation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol. 34, No. 2 (2018) {{!}} Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/technical-digest/issues/vol-34-no-2-2018 |website=www.jhuapl.edu |language=en}}</ref> * '''[[Tomahawk missile|Tomahawk]] (1980s):''' Developed guidance algorithms enabling autonomous navigation and precision targeting, making Tomahawk the world’s first long-range, precision-guided cruise missile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol. 34, No. 3 (2018) {{!}} Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/technical-digest/issues/vol-34-no-3-2018 |website=www.jhuapl.edu |language=en}}</ref> * '''[[Cooperative Engagement Capability]] (1990s):''' Enabled networked air defense by allowing distributed sensors and weapons systems to operate as a unified force. * '''Discovery Program Missions (1990s–2000s):''' Led pioneering low-cost planetary missions, including [[NEAR Shoemaker|NEAR]] and [[MESSENGER]], expanding [[NASA]]’s [[deep space exploration]].<ref>{{Citation |last1=Persons |first1=D. |title=The NEAR and MESSENGER spacecraft - Two approaches to structure and propulsion design |work=41st Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference and Exhibit |url=https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2000-1406 |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |doi=10.2514/6.2000-1406 |last2=Mosher |first2=L. |last3=Hartka |first3=T. |date=2000 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> * '''Ballistic Missile Defense from the Sea (2000s):''' Developed sea-based missile defense capabilities, enabling naval platforms to detect, track and intercept ballistic missiles around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laboratory |first=Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics |title=2023 Annual Report |url=https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/2023-Annual-Report |website=Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory |language=en}}</ref> * '''[[Double Asteroid Redirection Test]] (2022):''' Led the first [[planetary defense]] test mission to deliberately alter the orbit of an asteroid through kinetic impact.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-24 |title=Planetary Defense - DART - NASA Science |url=https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-defense-dart/ |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Campus == [[File:20241119-Building-201-Atrium.jpg|alt=Johns Hopkins APL's Building 201, which was renamed in 2025 the Ralph D. Semmel Center for Innovation.|thumb|350x350px|In 2021, APL opened an interdisciplinary research center, Building 201, with 263,000 square feet of space, a 200-person auditorium and more than 90,000 square feet of specialized laboratory space. In 2025, the building was renamed the Ralph D. Semmel Center for Innovation in honor of the Lab's eighth director, [[Ralph Semmel]].]] The modern Applied Physics Laboratory is located in [[Laurel, Maryland]], and spans 461 acres with more than 30 buildings on site. Additional auxiliary campuses exist in the surrounding areas. The campus includes multiple innovation and collaboration spaces, as well as test facilities and more than 800 labs. APL also operates field offices across the nation that are closely aligned with the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] and other sponsor facilities.<ref name=":1" />

In 2021, APL opened an interdisciplinary research center, Building 201, with 263,000 square feet of space, a 200-person auditorium and more than 90,000 square feet of specialized laboratory space. The building also includes a four-story atrium, a [[Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics|STEM]] center and 100 huddle conference and auditorium breakout rooms. In 2025, the building was renamed the Ralph D. Semmel Center for Innovation in honor of APL’s eighth director, [[Ralph Semmel]], who led the Laboratory from 2010 to 2025.

== Education and internships == APL is also home to a Johns Hopkins [[Whiting School of Engineering]] (WSE) part-time graduate program in engineering and applied sciences for APL staff members and the public, called Engineering for Professionals (EP).{{cn|date=November 2025}} [[File:HERO-STEM-STEM-Academy-3x2.jpg|alt=Students in APL's STEM Academy program|left|thumb|400x400px|Students participating in APL’s STEM Academy program, which offers hands-on science and engineering education for middle and high school students.]] Up to 75% of EP students now come from outside APL. The faculty includes scientists and engineers from APL and WSE; from regional aerospace, engineering and information technology companies; and government agencies. EP offers master’s degrees in 25 areas, 14 of which are based at APL and chaired by APL’s technical professional staff members. Courses are taught at seven locations in the [[Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area|Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area]], including the APL Education Center.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://ep.jhu.edu/about/locations-facilities/applied-physics-laboratory/ |website=Johns Hopkins Engineering Online |language=en}}</ref>

APL's [[Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics|STEM]] Academy includes several programs that provide a pathway to science, technology, engineering and math careers for students in grades 3–12. APL’s core programs are designed to be complementary and are grounded in an integrated model that ensures children learn about what being a STEM professional means.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

Programs include Maryland MESA, an after-school offering for students in grades 3-12; the STEM Academy, an after-school course program for middle and high school students in grades 8-12; APL's Student Program to Inspire, Relate and Enrich (ASPIRE), which allows high school juniors and seniors to experience and explore STEM careers before college; and Pathways, APL’s college internship program.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=STEM Academy {{!}} Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/education/stem-outreach/stem-academy |website=www.jhuapl.edu |language=en}}</ref>

==Research== APL operates across 13 mission areas,<ref name=":3" /> encompassing disciplines such as undersea systems, [[space exploration]], [[Computer security|cybersecurity]] and [[biological sciences]]. Its teams apply systems engineering and technical expertise to support the development, testing and integration of technologies for [[national security]] and scientific research.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Johns Hopkins APL Rings in 80 Years {{!}} Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/news/news-releases/220310-APL-80-Anniversary |website=www.jhuapl.edu |language=en}}</ref>

The Laboratory works in coordination with government sponsors and industry partners to align research and development priorities with mission needs. Its efforts focus on transitioning technologies into operational use, supporting both prototype development and broader implementation by external organizations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Mary-Louise |date=2023-06-26 |title=Johns Hopkins APL Secures $50M Air Force Architecture R&D Project – ExecutiveBiz |url=https://www.executivebiz.com/articles/johns-hopkins-apl-secures-50m-air-force-architecture-randd-project |access-date= |website=www.executivebiz.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

APL's portfolio includes longstanding areas of work such as [[Anti-aircraft warfare|air]] and [[missile defense]] and [[Underwater warfare|undersea warfare]], as well as research addressing emerging domains and strategic priorities. These include autonomous systems, hypersonic systems, survivability and performance, artificial intelligence, assured autonomy, [[biomanufacturing]] and next-generation materials.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-08-01 |title=Facility Focus: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory |url=https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/37446-johns-hopkins-applied-physics-laboratory |access-date= |website=www.techbriefs.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== National Security and Homeland Defense === APL plays a significant role in air and missile defense, [[Hypersonic speed|hypersonics]], strike and power projection, submarine security, antisubmarine warfare, strategic systems evaluation and cyber operations to support national security. Historical contributions include the radio [[proximity fuze]] and [[surface-to-air missile]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-01-12 |title=Tiny Miracle—The Proximity Fuze |url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/1999/august/tiny-miracle-proximity-fuze |access-date= |website=U.S. Naval Institute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Blades |first=Todd |date=2023-04-20 |title=Technical Report—The Bumblebee Can Fly |url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/1988/september/technical-report-bumblebee-can-fly |access-date= |website=U.S. Naval Institute |language=en}}</ref>

Recent efforts have included the [[Aegis Combat System|Aegis Weapon System]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-24 |title=The Politics of Developing the Aegis Combat System, Pt. 1 {{!}} Center for International Maritime Security |url=https://cimsec.org/the-politics-of-developing-the-aegis-combat-system-pt-1/ |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Cooperative Engagement Capability]]. These efforts and others address global threats, enabling the military to detect, track and intercept threats such as [[ballistic missile]]s, [[cruise missile]]s and [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|uncrewed aerial vehicles]].

=== Advanced Manufacturing === APL’s work in advancing additive manufacturing focuses on [[materials science]], [[precision engineering]] and [[rapid prototyping]] to support operational readiness, particularly in remote and extreme environments.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Duran |first=Paloma |date=2025-06-27 |title=Johns Hopkins APL and NAVSEA Strengthen U.S. Naval Manufacturing with Trusted Metal 3D Printing |url=https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/johns-hopkins-apl-and-navsea-strengthen-u-s-naval-manufacturing-with-trusted-metal-3d-printing-241235/ |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=3D Printing Industry |language=en-US}}</ref>

APL has played a critical role in advancing a precise metal 3D-printing process to support ship maintenance and repair at sea. In 2023, when a Navy ship encountered a material failure in a key component, APL and the ship’s crew reverse-engineered the part to create a digital file and additively manufacture it in just five days — a fraction of the time it would take for traditional procurement.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-06-28 |title=Johns Hopkins APL, Navy Team Up To Advance Additive Manufacturing For Critical Mission |url=https://amchronicle.com/news/johns-hopkins-apl-navy-team-up-to-advance-additive-manufacturing-for-critical-missions/ |access-date= |website=AM Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref> APL continues to explore advanced fabrication methods to enable maintenance, repair and mission resilience in contested or resource-limited settings.

=== Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy === APL conducts research in [[artificial intelligence]],<ref name=":5" /> [[machine learning]] and autonomous systems across domains such as defense, healthcare and space. Efforts include developing secure, reliable algorithms and platforms with an emphasis on human–machine teaming and system transparency.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-27 |title=Army, Johns Hopkins APL Use Human-AI Teaming Method for Medical Care in Combat – Executive Gov |url=https://www.executivegov.com/articles/johns-hopkins-apl-us-army-use-human-ai-teaming-for-medical-care-in-combat |website=www.executivegov.com |language=en-US}}</ref> APL also explores alternative computing paradigms, including quantum information science and neuromorphic architectures, to support advanced autonomy and communications.

Researchers from APL have helped accelerate the delivery of autonomous systems to warfighters through a program under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to rapidly integrate, test and assess low-cost uncrewed maritime systems.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-25 |title=Johns Hopkins APL Testing Software Platform for Navy USV Operating Systems |url=https://www.executivegov.com/articles/johns-hopkins-apl-software-platform-navy-usv-systems |website=www.executivegov.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Space === [[File:Alan Stern and New Horizons Team Celebrate Pluto Flyby.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Alan Stern]] celebrating the successful flyby of [[Pluto]] by ''[[New Horizons]]'' in 2015 in the APL Mission Operations Center.]]

APL has built and operated many NASA spacecraft, including ''[[NEAR Shoemaker]]''; ''[[Advanced Composition Explorer|ACE]]'' (Advanced Composition Explorer); ''[[TIMED]]''; ''[[CONTOUR]]''; ''[[MESSENGER]]''; ''[[STEREO]]'' (A & B); ''[[Van Allen Probes]]''; ''[[New Horizons]]''; ''[[Parker Solar Probe]]''; the [[Double Asteroid Redirection Test|DART]] planetary-defense mission; and the [[Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe|IMAP]] heliophysics mission. APL has also provided major systems and instruments for other NASA efforts, including [[EZIE]] (Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer), [[Lunar Vertex]], and hardware/instruments for [[Europa Clipper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/work/impact/space-science-and-engineering/missions|title=Space Missions|website=JHU APL|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dart.jhuapl.edu/|title=Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART)|website=JHU APL|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://science.nasa.gov/mission/imap/|title=Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)|website=NASA Science|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/destinations/missions/ezie|title=EZIE|website=JHU APL|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/destinations/missions/lunar-vertex|title=Lunar Vertex|website=JHU APL|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/destinations/missions/europa-clipper|title=Europa Clipper|website=JHU APL|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref>

APL’s space work began in the late 1950s/early 1960s with Navy-sponsored satellites such as the [[Transit (satellite)]] navigation system and later [[Geosat]]. In the early 1990s, NASA established the [[Discovery Program]] for competitively selected, cost-capped, principal-investigator-led planetary missions; APL built ''NEAR Shoemaker'', the program’s first mission, and later developed ''MESSENGER'', the first Mercury orbiter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/Content/techdigest/pdf/V34-N02/34-02-Schatz.pdf|title=APL’s Research Organization: Then and Now|website=JHU APL Technical Digest|date=2018|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-science/programs/discovery/|title=Discovery Program|website=NASA Science|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://science.nasa.gov/mission/near-shoemaker/|title=NEAR Shoemaker|website=NASA Science|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref> In November 2021, APL’s DART spacecraft launched and on 26 September 2022 deliberately impacted the asteroid moonlet [[Dimorphos]], measurably shortening its orbital period around [[65803 Didymos|Didymos]] by about 33 minutes—the first demonstration of kinetic asteroid deflection.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-confirms-dart-mission-impact-changed-asteroids-motion-in-space/|title=NASA Confirms DART Mission Impact Changed Asteroid’s Motion in Space|website=NASA|date=October 11, 2022|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref>

APL’s space work is managed by the Lab's Space Exploration Sector. The sector manages spacecraft integration high bays and cleanrooms; environmental test facilities (“shake and bake”), such as thermal-vacuum chambers and vibration tables; and a Multi-Mission Operations Center that can operate several spacecraft concurrently from pre-launch through end-of-mission.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/work/impact/space-science-and-engineering/facilities|title=Space Science and Engineering Facilities|website=JHU APL|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/Content/techdigest/pdf/V06-N01/06-01-Bush.pdf|title=The Richard B. Kershner Space Integration and Test Facility|website=JHU APL Technical Digest|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/news/news-releases/231120-dragonfly-titan-chamber|title=Dragonfly Team Debuts APL’s Titan Environmental Test Chamber|website=JHU APL|date=November 20, 2023|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/Content/techdigest/pdf/V20-N04/20-04-Baer.pdf|title=Mission Operations|website=JHU APL Technical Digest|date=1999|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref>

In 2024, the team of engineers and scientists from APL, NASA and more than 40 other partner organizations across the country that created the Parker Solar Probe were awarded the 2024 [[Collier Trophy|Robert J. Collier Trophy]] by the [[National Aeronautic Association]] (NAA).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-25 |title=NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Team Wins 2024 Collier Trophy - NASA Science |url=https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/nasas-parker-solar-probe-team-wins-2024-collier-trophy/ |access-date=2026-02-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024, during its record-breaking pass by the [[Sun]], NASA's Parker Solar Probe captured new images from the Sun's atmosphere – the closest ever taken to the Sun.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-10 |title=NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Snaps Closest-Ever Images to Sun - NASA Science |url=https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/nasas-parker-solar-probe-snaps-closest-ever-images-to-sun/ |access-date=2026-02-06 |language=en-US}}</ref>

'''Ongoing and upcoming missions.''' In 2019, NASA selected the APL-proposed ''[[Dragonfly (Titan space probe)|Dragonfly]]'' rotorcraft as the fourth [[New Frontiers program|New Frontiers]] mission, a relocatable lander designed to fly to multiple sites on [[Titan (moon)|Titan]] to study prebiotic chemistry and potential habitability.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-dragonfly-will-fly-around-titan-looking-for-origins-signs-of-life/|title=NASA’s Dragonfly Will Fly Around Titan Looking for Origins, Signs of Life|website=NASA|date=June 27, 2019|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref> APL also manages NASA’s ''[[Parker Solar Probe]]'', which on December 24, 2024, became the closest human-made object to the Sun, approaching to about 3.8 million miles (6.2 million kilometers) above the solar surface and matching that record again in 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/nasas-parker-solar-probe-makes-history-with-closest-pass-to-sun/|title=NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Makes History With Closest Pass to Sun|website=NASA Science|date=December 27, 2024|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2025/06/23/parker-solar-probe-completes-24th-close-approach-to-sun/|title=Parker Solar Probe Completes 24th Close Approach to Sun|website=NASA Science|date=June 23, 2025|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref> In heliophysics, APL operates the ''[[Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe]]'' (IMAP), Launched in 2025 to map the boundary of the heliosphere and study the acceleration of energetic particles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/imap/2024/12/20/nasa-targets-september-2025-launch-for-heliophysics-missions/|title=NASA Targets September 2025 Launch for Heliophysics Missions|website=NASA Science|date=December 20, 2024|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhuapl.edu/news/news-releases/250204-interstellar-mapping-acceleration-probe-spacecraft-testing|title=International Team Readies IMAP Spacecraft for Testing|website=JHU APL|date=February 4, 2025|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref>

The [[asteroid]] [[132524 APL]] was named in honor of APL after a flyby by the ''New Horizons'' spacecraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://science.nasa.gov/mission/new-horizons/|title=New Horizons|website=NASA Science|access-date={{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}</ref>

=== Health & Bioengineering === APL conducts research in [[Neural engineering|neuroengineering]], [[brain–computer interface]]s, advanced [[Prosthesis|prosthetics]], public health [[digital twin]]s,<ref>{{Cite news | newspaper=R&D World | title=Johns Hopkins APL model highlights testing's role in pandemic response | url=https://www.rdworldonline.com/johns-hopkins-apl-model-highlights-testings-role-in-pandemic-response/}}</ref> and biological systems to drive innovative medical applications for the military and emergency situations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Revolutionizing Prosthetics |url=https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/revolutionizing-prosthetics |website=www.darpa.mil}}</ref> These efforts include augmented reality-assisted medical care for emergency response and a [[brain organoid]] platform to study the effects of mild blast-induced traumatic brain injury.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Alexandra |date=July 3, 2025 |title=Brain organoid platform to study repeated low-level blast injuries in military personnel, TBI research |url=https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-brain-organoid-platform-blast-injuries.html |work=Medical Xpress}}</ref>

In 2014, APL led the DARPA-funded Revolutionizing Prosthetics program, culminating in the development of the Modular Prosthetic Limb — a fully artificial articulated arm and hand.<ref>{{Cite news |title=A Prosthetic Arm That Gives Amputees the Sense of Touch |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-08/a-prosthetic-arm-that-gives-amputees-the-sense-of-touch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419140754/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-08/a-prosthetic-arm-that-gives-amputees-the-sense-of-touch |archive-date=2024-04-19 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> The device was successfully controlled by a bilateral shoulder-level amputee, using pattern recognition algorithms that tracked muscle contractions to move the prosthetic in conjunction with the amputee's body.

APL extended the technology in a 2016 demonstration in which a paralyzed man was able to “fist-bump” with then-President [[Barack Obama]] using signals sent from an implanted brain chip.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-10-13 |title=In a medical first, brain implant allows paralyzed man to feel again |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/10/13/in-a-medical-first-brain-implant-allows-paralyzed-man-to-feel-again/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> The limb also returned sensory feedback from the arm to the wearer's brain. In 2023, APL researchers developed a wearable thin-film thermoelectric cooler (TFTEC) — one of the world's smallest, most intense and fastest refrigeration devices. The TFTEC helps amputees perceive a sense of temperature with their phantom limbs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 27, 2023 |title=Evoking natural thermal perceptions using a thin-film thermoelectric device with high cooling power density and speed |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-023-01070-w |work=Nature Biomedical Engineering}}</ref> The technology won an [[Research and development|R&D]] 100 Award in 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 R&D 100 Award Winners |url=https://www.rdworldonline.com/2023-rd-100-award-winners/ |website=Research & Development World |language=en-US}}</ref> and in collaboration with Samsung,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Tl-hXS_HruA |title=Solid-State Cooling Breakthrough {{!}} #JHUAPL #Engineering #Innovation |language=en |access-date=2025-10-02 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> APL researchers have extended the TFTEC technology to practical solid state refrigeration applications.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ballard |first1=Jake |last2=Hubbard |first2=Matthew |last3=Jung |first3=Sung-Jin |last4=Rojas |first4=Vanessa |last5=Ung |first5=Richard |last6=Suh |first6=Junwoo |last7=Kim |first7=MinSoo |last8=Lee |first8=Joonhyun |last9=Pierce |first9=Jonathan M. |last10=Venkatasubramanian |first10=Rama |date=2025-05-21 |title=Nano-engineered thin-film thermoelectric materials enable practical solid-state refrigeration |journal=Nature Communications |language=en |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=4421 |doi=10.1038/s41467-025-59698-y |pmid=40399263 |bibcode=2025NatCo..16.4421B |issn=2041-1723|pmc=12095565 }}</ref>

In January 2020, as the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] emerged, [[Johns Hopkins University]] launched the Coronavirus Resource Center — commonly known as the COVID-19 dashboard — which became the most widely used and trusted source for near-real-time global data on the pandemic.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=bio |first=See full |title=How Johns Hopkins' coronavirus dashboard came to be |url=https://www.cnet.com/health/how-johns-hopkins-coronavirus-dashboard-came-to-be/ |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> The dashboard was initially developed by a team at the [[Whiting School of Engineering]] led by associate professor Lauren Gardner.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Barone |first=Emily |title=What Happens When the World's Most Popular COVID-19 Dashboard Can't Get Data? |url=https://time.com/6101967/covid-19-data-gaps/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519031057/https://time.com/6101967/covid-19-data-gaps/ |archive-date=2025-05-19 |magazine=TIME |language=en}}</ref> As the volume of incoming data quickly overwhelmed manual processing, the university turned to APL. Researchers at APL automated the [[data collection]], [[Data aggregation|aggregation]] and [[Data curation|curation]] processes, and contributed essential [[Data analysis|analysis]] and [[Data and information visualization|visualizations]]. Their work was instrumental in maintaining the accuracy and usability of the dashboard, which served governments, media and the public throughout the pandemic.<ref name=":8" />

==Transportation== Howard County has planned an extension of [[Montgomery County, Maryland|Montgomery County]]'s [[Flash BRT]] bus system to the laboratory by summer of 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=47021 |title=Montgomery County’s US 29 Flash Bus Rapid Transit Plans Howard County Extension in 2026 |publisher=[[Montgomery County, Maryland]] |accessdate=2026-05-20}}</ref>

==See also== {{Col-begin}} {{Col-2}} *[[List of United States college laboratories conducting basic defense research]] *[[James Adams (entrepreneur)|James Adams]] *[[Jacqueline Akinpelu]] *[[John R. Allen|John Allen]] *[[Ralph Asher Alpher]] *[[William H. Avery (engineer)|William Avery]] *[[Norman R. Augustine|Norman Augustine]] *[[Ralph Belknap Baldwin]] *[[Robert Behler]] *[[Frederick S. Billig|Frederick Billig]] *[[S. M. Blinder]] *[[Raquel C. Bono|Raquel Bono]] *[[Gwendolyn Boyd]] *[[Alice Bowman]] *[[Isaiah Bowman]] *[[Robert D. Braun|Robert Braun]] *[[Anne M. Brennan|Anne Brennan]] *[[Robert Brode]] *[[Ben Bussey]] *[[Robert Cahalan]] *[[Carlos Del Castillo]] *[[Nancy Chabot]] *[[James W. Christy|James Christy]] *[[Edward L. Cochran|Edward Cochran]] *[[Paul Dabbar]] *[[Richard Danzig]] *[[Brett Denevi]] *[[Lisa Disbrow]] *[[Andre Douglas]] *[[Ashutosh Dutta]] *[[Carlos Del Castillo]] *[[Robert W. Farquhar|Robert Farquhar]] *[[Robert Fischell]] *[[Christine Fox]] *[[M. Parker Givens]] *[[Nicola Fox]] *[[David L. Goldfein|David Goldfein]] *[[Kevin Granata]] *[[Michael D. Griffin|Michael Griffin]] *[[Lawrence R. Hafstad|Lawrence Hafstad]] *[[Stephen Hadley]] *[[Cecil D. Haney|Cecil Haney]] *[[Avril Haines]] *[[Robert Herman]] *[[Helen Hopfield]] *[[J. Allen Hynek]] *[[Paul G. Kaminski|Paul Kaminski]] *[[Chih-Kung Jen]] *[[Ave Kludze]] *[[Christina Koch]] {{Col-2}} *[[Charles T. Kowal|Charles Kowal]] *[[Stamatios Krimigis|Tom Krimigis]] *[[Robert Lai]] *[[William A. LaPlante|William LaPlante]] *[[Samuel J. Locklear|Samuel Locklear]] *[[Ramón E. López]] *[[Ellen Lord]] *[[Ralph Lorenz]] *[[Victor McCrary]] *[[Heather Miller (businesswoman)|Heather Murren Miller]] *[[James N. Miller|James N. Miller]] *[[Gordon Moore]] *[[John S. Morgan]] *[[Katherine Morse]] *[[Robert Russell Newton]] *[[Pete Nanos]] *[[Vivian O'Brien]] *[[Paul L. Oostburg Sanz|Paul Oostburg Sanz]] *[[Kathleen Paige]] *[[Eugene Parker]] *[[Christine Piatko]] *[[Fritz Karl Preikschat]] *[[Louise Prockter]] *[[Richard S. Potember|Richard Potember]] *[[Kaliat Ramesh]] *[[Charles A. Richard|Charles Richard]] *[[Gary Roughead]] *[[John M. Richardson (admiral)|John Richardson]] *[[Robert Joshua Rubin|Robert Rubin]] *[[Michael Ryschkewitsch]] *[[Ralph Semmel]] *[[Ciara Sivels]] *[[Nicholas M. Smith Jr.|Nicholas Smith Jr.]] *[[Paul Spudis]] *[[Ferdinand Stoss]] *[[Sabine Stanley]] *[[James G. Stavridis|James Stavridis]] *[[Paul N. Stockton|Paul Stockton]] *[[Rob Strain]] *[[Pierre J. Thuot|Pierre Thuot]] *[[Edward Weldon Tunstel]] *[[Elizabeth Turtle]] *[[Merle Tuve]] *[[James Van Allen]] *[[Carol Stuart Watson]] *[[Hal A. Weaver|Hal Weaver]] *[[Glen VanHerck]] *[[David Van Wie (engineer)|Dave Van Wie]] *[[Robert O. Work|Robert Work]] {{Col-end}}

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

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[[Category:Johns Hopkins University]] [[Category:North Laurel, Maryland]] [[Category:Physics laboratories]] [[Category:University and college laboratories in the United States]] [[Category:Research institutes established in 1942]] [[Category:1942 establishments in Maryland]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Laurel, Maryland]] [[Category:Space technology research institutes]]