NRL News

Reinforcement Learning is Making a Buzz in Space
September 9, 2025 — A U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) research team successfully conducted the first reinforcement learning (RL) control of a free-flyer in space on May 27... MORE

Samantha Chapin, Ph.D., U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) space roboticist, performs a reinforcement learning control test on free-flyer robots aboard the International Space Station from NRL headquarters in Washington, D.C., May 27, 2025. The test demonstrated the potential of reinforcement learning to improve robotic autonomy for space exploration and logistics. (U.S. Navy photo by Sarah Peterson)

Above the Battle, Beyond the Horizon
August 27, 2025 — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in conjunction with the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Office (E2O); the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment; Aerostar; and Lockheed Martin conducted a technical demonstration held at Outlying Landing Field Seagle in Twentynine Palms, California, May 19-21, aiming to develop a technology for Navy vessels to "see over the horizon" using a combination of stratospheric high-altitude balloons (HABs) and unmanned aircraft, both included novel energy solutions... MORE

Mark Ketcham, Aerostar, provides warfighter feedback to Marines who attended a technical demonstration held at Outlying Landing Field Seagle in Twentynine Palms, Calif. May 19-21, 2025. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in conjunction with the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, and the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Office (E2O) conducted the demonstration aiming to develop a technology for Navy vessels to "see over the horizon" using a combination of stratospheric high-altitude balloons (HABs) and unmanned aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Jozef Mejewski/Released)

Vanguard Award Recognizes Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs, NRL Proud to Contribute
August 25, 2025 — The Department of Navy Office of Small Business Programs (DON OSBP) earned the prestigious Vanguard Award, for the second consecutive year, and third time in the last four years recognizing it as one of the Department of Defense (DOD) components that best exemplified a commitment to strengthening small business participation and industrial competitiveness across the defense acquisition landscape... MORE

Honoring NRL Researchers, Scientists and Engineers
August 21, 2025 — WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) recognized the 2024 Alan Berman Research Publication, Edison (Patent), and Technology Transfer & Transition Awards recipients during a dinner at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Officers’ Club, Washington, D.C., Aug. 15... MORE

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) recognized the 2024 Alan Berman Research Publication, Edison (Patent), and Technology Transfer & Transition Awards recipients during a dinner at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Officers’ Club, Washington, D.C., Aug. 15. Photo by Sarah Peterson.

The Navy’s Airborne Lab Puts Tech to the Test
August 11, 2025 — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 is the U.S. Navy’s only research and development squadron; responsible for airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development connecting laboratory innovations to operational deployment... MORE

Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 supports the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory by conducting flight operations in Patuxent River, Md. May 2, 2025. VXS-1 conducts airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development in worldwide operations supporting U.S. Navy and national science and technology (S&T) priorities and war fighting goals.

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Engaged Future Scientists During Quantum STEM Challenge
August 8, 2025 — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) hosted its first-ever Quantum STEM Challenge on Wednesday, Aug. 7, bringing together high school students for a day of immersive, hands-on learning in quantum computing and real-world Naval research... MORE

Students participating in NRL's Quantum STEM Challenge

Naval Research Physicist Earns Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award
July 30, 2025 — Scott Browning with U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Signature Technology Office earned the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award (DCSA) on July 23, 2025, for his service from 1991 through 2024... MORE

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Cruz presents Scott Browning from NRL’s Signature Technology Office with the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award (DCSA), July 23, 2025, for his service as the technical director and senior advisor from 1991 through 2024. The DCSA is the highest Department of the Navy award for a civilian employee.

Naval Research Interns Explore Naval Careers During ‘Pathways to Discovery’ Panel
July 30, 2025 — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) hosted its first annual Pathways to Discovery career panel and networking event July 17, inviting summer interns from the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP), Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), and other Department of the Navy programs to explore career possibilities in science, engineering, and national defense... MORE

The moderator and panelists gather following the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) “Pathways to Discovery” panel, July 17, 2025. From left: Pania Newell, Ph.D., moderator and associate professor at the University of Utah; Peter Matic, Ph.D., NRL associate director of research; Andy Nicholas, head of NRL’s Sensor Development and Applications Section; Maggie Stevens, Ph.D., NRL research scientist; and Harry Cole, a returning Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) intern. The event offered career insights to student interns from across NRL’s summer programs.

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