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About SDL

SDL, a Unit of the USU Research Foundation, is a nonprofit research corporation owned by Utah State University. Charged with applying basic research to the technology challenges presented in the military and science arenas, SDL has developed revolutionary solutions that are changing the way the world collects and uses data. SDL continues to lead the way in the development of sensors and supporting technologies. Some examples of SDL’s innovations include the following:

  • Developed and operated one of the first successful space‐borne, solid‐hydrogen cooled IR sensors
  • Enabled significant advances in data compression ratios and quality
  • Developed real‐time reconnaissance data visualization hardware and software for operational military applications
  • Delivered thousands of successful sensors and subsystems for over 400 space‐borne and aircraft‐based payloads
  • Initiated, in a joint effort with USU, the first student involvement program for the Shuttle
  • Serves as the DoD University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) for sensors and supporting technologies