IRREL ribbon cutting

Col. David Goldstein, Phillips Research Site Commander and Space Vehicles Directorate Director, speaks at a ribbon cutting event for the Infrared Radiation Effects Laboratory, the newest Air Force Research Laboratory building. The IRREL houses the capability for performing and evaluating maturing radiation technology for space-based platforms. (Photo by Todd Berenger)

AFRL celebrates additional space research building

Published Feb. 25, 2014
By Eva Blaylock
Air Force Research Laboratory

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- A new Air Force Research Laboratory building dedicated to space sensor research and development and space radiation effects was featured at a Kirtland ribbon cutting event Feb. 20 .

As part of a lab revitalization project at the laboratory, the Infrared Radiation Effects Laboratory began construction in 2013. The IRREL is a 5,600 square-foot space with one lab, hosts 15 employees and has the capability for performing and evaluating maturing radiation technology for space-based platforms.

The IRREL is the second lab in the revitalization project, joining the Space Sensors Laboratory, or SSL, which opened in April. The SSL is a 6,000-square-foot structure, comprised of two light labs and office space for 15 personnel.

The laboratory revitalization authority that was added in the National Defense Authorization Act allows AFRL to build projects up to $2 million - a hefty increase from the previous $750,000 limit.

"The Act and the revitalization authority has been game-changing for the Air Force Research Lab and specifically the Space Vehicles Directorate here at Kirtland," said Michael D. Gallegos, chief of the Infrastructure Management Branch. "The construction and completion of these two buildings are a huge success story for the lab with the Section 219 funds from laboratory corporate offices. The two cutting-edge laboratories will allow scientists and engineers to perform better research and improve the scientific process and fundamentally improve space sensor technologies and systems."

Col. David Goldstein, Phillips Research Site Commander and Space Vehicles Directorate Director, said, "Our main job here at the lab is to stay one-step ahead in technology. We have the best and brightest people here that need the best facilities to do that work. Great people need great facilities and that is what these two are, in great thanks to Michael Gallegos and the entire facilities team here today."