Udall, Heinrich, Lujan Grisham: Air Force Awards $7.4 Million Air Force Contract to Albuquerque Software Company

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the Air Force has awarded a $7.4 million contract to Albuquerque’s Stellar Science Ltd. Co. to support research and development into directed energy at Kirtland Air Force Base.

Kirtland is home to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which builds upon New Mexico’s strength in science and technology to conduct research to advance U.S. national security. Under the new contract, Stellar Science will support AFRL’s work into lasers and directed energy to develop computer simulations and virtual testing of Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems. The project will also include basic research and development of underlying directed energy technologies to improve the performance of DEW systems’ components. It is scheduled to be completed by early 2018.

“The work performed at New Mexico’s military bases is critical to our national security, and our state is uniquely positioned at the forefront of developing new technologies that not only help to keep us safe, but also create good jobs for hard-working New Mexicans,” Udall said. "I look forward to this Albuquerque-based project building upon Kirtland AFB's long-standing record as a hub for research and development in the service of our national security.”

“This competitive grant is welcome news — this project will not only generate new simulation capabilities for Directed Energy Weapons, it will also support quality jobs to strengthen our state’s economy,” said Heinrich. “New Mexico continues to play a significant role in both public and private development of technology that our country relies on for our national defense.”

"New Mexico is a leader in directed energy research, which shows promise as an extremely precise and effective tool that will allow our military to avoid civilian casualties,” said Lujan Grisham. “I am encouraged that this federal investment in New Mexico will boost our economy and continue to improve this important technology."

Stellar Science is a computer software company that develops innovative technologies that combine cutting-edge software development with leading scientific expertise.