The US Air Force’s Research Laboratory (AFRL) has broken ground on an $8.7m facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that will research and test “re-entry vehicles” that operate in space before returning to Earth.
The 5,300 sq ft Re-Entry Vehicle Integration Laboratory (REVIL) has been designed by Kansas architect Burns & McDonnell and is being built by local contractor Perikin Enterprises.
Jeremy Raley, director of the AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate, said the facility could also be used to boost nuclear deterrence.
He commented: “This lab supports both the Air and Space Force missions. While we must work on new scientific developments for re-entry vehicles, there are many other opportunities to create economic and warfighting advantages.
“New discoveries will arise from working with other government entities and industry partners, and that’s what’s really exciting about this lab … the expansive opportunity.”
REVIL is due to be completed by the end of 2025.
