NMSU PHYSICAL SCIENCE LAB, IN RECOGNITION

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A MEMORIAL
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE PHYSICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY AT
NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY; CELEBRATING EIGHTY YEARS OF THE
LABORATORY'S RESEARCH AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO INNOVATION,
NATIONAL SECURITY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC
PROSPERITY.
WHEREAS, the physical science laboratory at New Mexico
state university, founded in 1946 in Las Cruces, is southern
New Mexico's premier university-based applied research
laboratory, advancing technologies that support the nation's
defense, aerospace and security missions; and
WHEREAS, the physical science laboratory was established
in direct response to the nation's emerging defense, missile
and space programs following World War II, beginning with its
first contract on May 15, 1946 to support the army ballistics
research laboratory and assemble teams of students and
scientists to process and analyze V-2 rocket telemetry data
in support of early American rocket research at White Sands
proving ground; and
WHEREAS, during the mid-twentieth century, the
laboratory expanded its mission to include telemetry and
flight test support for military missile systems; the
development and testing of antennas and instrumentation; and
the establishment of satellite tracking capabilities that
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contributed to global space tracking networks, strengthening
the United States' scientific, aerospace and defense
infrastructure throughout the Cold War and beyond; and
WHEREAS, for nearly eight decades, the laboratory has
integrated applied research with hands-on education,
supporting partners across federal agencies, industry and
academia while translating academic innovation into mission-
ready capabilities that address evolving national security
and aerospace requirements; and
WHEREAS, the laboratory has continually evolved to meet
emerging national needs, sustaining and expanding expertise
in telemetry and missile systems, hypersonics, aerospace and
spaceflight systems, electronic warfare and advanced sensing
technologies, cybersecurity and information sciences,
unmanned aircraft systems and predictive modeling and
decision support, delivering mission-critical solutions that
enhance defense readiness, aerospace advancement and homeland
security; and
WHEREAS, the physical science laboratory is one of only
nine institutions nationwide designated by the federal
aviation administration as an unmanned aircraft systems test
site, and the laboratory plays a key role in advancing
unmanned aircraft systems research, testing and workforce
development that support safe integration of unmanned
aircraft systems technologies into the national airspace and
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strengthening New Mexico's leadership in aerospace
innovation; and
WHEREAS, the laboratory designs, builds, tests and
deploys advanced systems and technologies used by government
and industry partners worldwide, reinforcing New Mexico's
reputation as a center of excellence in national security,
aerospace and applied research; and
WHEREAS, the laboratory plays a vital role in educating
and mentoring generations of students by providing hands-on
research, cooperative education and workforce development
programs that prepare New Mexico students for high-demand
careers in science, engineering, aerospace and national
security, strengthening the state's talent pipeline and long-
term economic competitiveness; and
WHEREAS, the laboratory serves as a cornerstone of
southern New Mexico's growing national security and
innovation ecosystem, collaborating closely with regional
military installations, industry partners, academic
institutions and community stakeholders while contributing
significantly to the economic vitality and technological
leadership of New Mexico and the broader southwest region of
the United States; and
WHEREAS, the enduring legacy of the physical science
laboratory reflects the values of innovation, service and
collaboration that define New Mexico and exemplifies the
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essential role of university-based applied research
laboratories in advancing scientific discovery, national
defense, workforce development and public service;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the physical
science laboratory at New Mexico state university be
recognized and honored for the laboratory's eighty years of
distinguished service as the state's premier university-based
applied research laboratory and as a vital national security
and aerospace asset for New Mexico, the southwest and the
United States; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be
transmitted to the president of New Mexico state university,
the director of the physical science laboratory and the
governor in appreciation of the laboratory's historic legacy
and continued contributions to innovation, national security,
workforce development and economic prosperity.