Flight experiments, the newest AFRL Fellows and discovering art in science

What's the buzz in this Linked Into AFRL edition?

• Autonomous laser welding in space: “These recent parabolic flight experiments take what we know about welding on Earth and allow us to gather and analyze data in a simulated space environment,” said Dr. Arlene Smith. “The goal is to provide proof of concept and eventually conduct testing in space.”?

• AFRL Fellows and Early Career Achievement Ceremony: “It is sort of the nerd version of the Oscars, and I will tell you, I would prefer to be here 10 out of 10 times than the Oscars because these are the real heroes,” said AFRL Commander Brig. Gen. Jason E. Bartolomei. “These are the ones that get up every day and do something that is bigger than themselves.”
• 3rd Annual Art of Science Showcase: There’s beauty behind the impactful and meaningful research conducted by our grantees, workforce and those influenced by basic research. This annual showcase allows us to celebrate, admire, appreciate and witness this scientific impact through an artistic lens.

Scroll to the end of the newsletter to explore open AFRL career opportunities.

Partnership leads to testing viability of laser welding in space

The Air Force Research Laboratory recently participated in a parabolic flight experiment led by a team of scientists and engineers from The Ohio State University.

The NASA-funded endeavor was conducted at the Central Coast Jet Center in Santa Maria, California to explore the potential of autonomous laser welding in space. A parabolic flight test allows engineers to test the performance of equipment that will be used in space, by simulating the microgravity environment of a low earth orbit.

Because of increased reliance on space-based applications, from remote sensing and navigation to satellite communications, there has been a recent push by the U.S. government to develop In-Space Servicing Assembly and Manufacturing.

Dr. Arlene Smith, an engineer with AFRL’s Composite, Ceramic, Metallic, and Materials Performance division, said that AFRL was introduced to OSU’s project through the AFRL Midwest Regional Network . AFRL is offering the OSU team consulting support via subject matter experts and leveraging that role with an eye toward workforce development.

Smith said the need to develop and leverage manufacturing technology (such as laser welding) in space has become increasingly vital to assist in the movement and support of military equipment and personnel. However, while scientists understand how laser welding functions on Earth, little is known about how it performs in the extreme conditions of space.?

Dr. Antonio Ramirez, a professor of welding engineering at The Ohio State University, said the successful development of manufacturing capabilities in space will provide point-of-need service, providing parts, repairs and even new systems that, because of their size, could be more efficiently built in space.?

“These large structures might (potentially) include solar panels, housing for astronauts, or large mirrors or antennae that can collect energy and irradiate back to earth,” said Ramirez. “It would also allow us to make quicker and more effective repairs. Right now, if you have a vessel out in space and a micro meteor makes a hole in it, you can’t just pull up to a repair station.”?

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2024 AFRL Fellows and Early Career Award Winners

The Air Force Research Laboratory recognized 17 of its scientists and engineers for the 2024 AFRL Fellows and Science and Engineering Early Career Awards (ECA) program at an award ceremony held at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2024.

“We are standing on the shoulders of giants, and we are about ready to welcome the next set of giants into the hall of fame,” said AFRL Commander Brig. Gen. Jason E. Bartolomei during opening remarks at the event.

The AFRL Fellows program acknowledges outstanding scientists and engineers who contribute significantly to the U.S. Department of the Air Force. The eight members of the AFRL 2024 class of Fellows are:

Dr. Jay M. Albert (Space Vehicles Directorate), Dr. Jeffery W. Allen (Munitions Directorate), Dr. John P. Clark (Aerospace Systems Directorate), Dr. Jennifer C. Fielding (Materials and Manufacturing Directorate), Dr. Steven C. Hadley (711th Human Performance Wing), Mr. Brett A. Jordan (Materials and Manufacturing Directorate), Dr. Steven J. Lipson (Space Vehicles Directorate) and Ms. Christina L. Osmon (Directed Energy Directorate)

The AFRL ECA program recognizes government civilian scientists and engineers with exceptional accomplishments who have been with AFRL for less than seven and no more than 15 years since the award of their bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or math field. The nine members of the 2024 AFRL Early Career Awards are:

Dr. Nikolas Antolin (Directed Energy Directorate), Dr. Andrew S. Gillman (Materials and Manufacturing Directorate), Dr. Tod A. Grusenmeyer (Materials and Manufacturing Directorate), Dr. Julie V. Logan (Space Vehicles Directorate), Dr. Jamin J. McCue (Sensors Directorate), Mr. Chad A. Oian (711th Human Performance Wing), Dr. Alexander M. Pankonien (Aerospace Systems Directorate), Dr. Sean A. Phillips (Space Vehicles Directorate), and Mr. Robert M. Watson, III (Munitions Directorate)

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2025 Basic Research Art of Science Showcase

AFRL just celebrated seventy-three years of basic research innovation supported by our Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR).

Since October 29, 1951, our team has been at the forefront of incredible basic research contributions in science and technology for the Department of the Air Force and the nation. These include contributions to include stealth technology, GPS, the computer mouse, superplastics, infrared sensors, lithium batteries, and much more.

To honor decades of research innovation and to educate people around the world about the importance of basic research, we invite you to be part of the third annual Art of Science Showcase by submitting your basic research inspired art.

Showcased art will reveal the beauty behind many of the basic research inspired innovations past, present and future which continue to support the United States Air and Space Forces.

Submissions are open until Dec. 6, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

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Highlighted below are five in-demand jobs — click on a position to learn more and apply.

• IT Program Manager | Rome, NY
• Deputy Director, Space Vehicles Directorate | Albuquerque, NM
• Safety Engineer | Dayton, OH
• Manpower and Military Personnel Analyst | Arlington, VA
• Senior Aerospace Engineer | Rosamond, CA

Visit afresearchlab.com/careers to see career and internship opportunities around the world.

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