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Home : Our Work : Areas of Research : Plasma Physics

    Plasma Physics
Phone: (202) 767-5635

 

Overview

The Plasma Physics Division conducts broad theoretical and experimental programs of basic and applied research in plasma physics, laboratory discharge, and space plasmas, intense electron and ion beams and photon sources, atomic physics, pulsed power sources, laser physics, advanced spectral diagnostics, and nonlinear systems. 

The effort of the Division is concentrated on a few closely coordinated theoretical and experimental programs. Considerable emphasis is placed on large-scale numerical simulations related to plasma dynamics; ionospheric, magnetospheric, and atmospheric dynamics; nuclear weapons effects; inertial confinement fusion; atomic physics; plasma processing; nonlinear dynamics and chaos; free electron lasers and other advanced radiation sources; advanced accelerator concepts; and atmospheric laser propagation.

Core Capabilities 

  • Radiation Hydrodynamics - The principal emphasis is in the development and application of theoretical models and state-of-the-art numerical simulations combining magnetohydrodynamics, high energy density physics, atomic and radiation physics, and spectroscopy.
  • Laser Plasma - Primary areas of research include physics underpinnings of laser fusion, high-energy-gain laser-inertial- fusion target designs, experiments and simulations of laser-matter interactions at high intensity, advancing the science and technologies of high-energy krypton fluoride and argon fluoride lasers, advancing the technologies of durable high-repetition-rate pulse power and electron-beam diodes for laser pumping and other applications, laser fusion as a power source.
  • Space and Laboratory Plasmas - Space research includes theoretical, numerical, and laboratory and space experimental investigations of the dynamic behavior of the near-Earth space plasmas and radiation belts, and the modification of space plasmas for strategic effects on HF communications, satellite navigation, over-the-horizon radar, and UHF satellite communications.  Applications-oriented plasma research is performed in the production, characterization, and use of low-temperature plasmas and related technology for applications to advance capabilities across the Navy and DOD.  Pulsed-power investigations include electromagnetic launch science and technology and research on directed energy systems for the U.S. Navy.
  • Pulsed Power Physics - Experimental and theoretical research is performed to advance pulsed power driven accelerator technology in areas relevant to defense applications. Research concerns the production, transport, characterization, and modeling of pulsed plasmas and intense high-power, charged particle beams using terawatt-class hundred-kilojoule pulsed power systems that employ capacitive or inductive energy storage and advanced switching. 
  • Directed Energy Physics - Research encompasses the integration of theoretical/computational and experimental research relevant to DOD, ONR, DARPA, and DoE in the areas of ultra-high field laser physics, atmospheric propagation of intense lasers, advanced radiation and accelerator physics, laser-generated plasma-microwave interactions, and dynamics of nonlinear systems. 

Facilities Fact Sheets

  • Electra Experimental Lab Facility - Electron beam pumped laser.  [ Download PDF]
  • NIKE KrF Laser Target Facility.  [Download PDF]
  • Space Plasma Simulation Chamber.  [Download PDF]

Plasma Physics News

NEWS | Sept. 18, 2025

Naval Research Laboratory Robotic Servicing Payload Clears Thermal Vacuum Lab Test, Readies for Space

By Jameson Crabtree, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –   The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), in partnership with and with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics, has reached a historic milestone in satellite servicing technology, completing on Sept. 5 a critical round of space-readiness testing on a robotic spacecraft designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
 
The testing, known as thermal vacuum (TVAC), confirmed the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman SpaceLogistics Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus can withstand the punishing heat, cold, and vacuum conditions of space. With the test complete, the system will be sent back to Northrop Grumman for final checks before shipment to the launch site.
 
“This is more than a successful test, we are nearing the culmination of decades of work and partnership that began as a vision for on-orbit servicing and it’s exciting to be so close to this technology being space-qualified and ready for flight,” said Bernard Kelm, acting director of the Naval Center for Space Technology. “The partnership between NRL’s spacecraft engineering expertise, DARPA’s vision, and Northrop Grumman’s commercial space operations expertise have built a system that will transform how we think about satellite operations in geosynchronous orbit.”

From idea to spaceflight hardware
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus moves into the cryogenic thermal vacuum chamber for testing at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) in Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025. NRL NCST, with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is conducting final space-readiness testing on RSGS, a robotic payload designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus moves into the cryogenic thermal vacuum chamber for testing at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) in Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025. NRL NCST, with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is conducting final space-readiness testing on RSGS, a robotic payload designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
RSGS TVAC Chamber
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus moves into the cryogenic thermal vacuum chamber for testing at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) in Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025. NRL NCST, with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is conducting final space-readiness testing on RSGS, a robotic payload designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
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Image Details
Photo By: Sarah Peterson
VIRIN: 250724-N-CZ309-1059

The RSGS program is the result of over 20 years of research and development at NRL, aimed at creating robotic systems capable of repairing and upgrading satellites in geosynchronous orbit, roughly 22,000 miles above Earth. As a public private partnership between DARPA and Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics the NRL-developed robotic servicing payload is designed to enable close inspections, orbital adjustments, hardware upgrades, and even in-orbit repairs.
 
“The completion of spacecraft thermal vacuum testing marks the most critical milestone of recognizing the NRL-developed payload and MRV are capable of working together as a system,” said Dr. Bruce Danly, NRL director of research. “This capability has the potential to extend satellite lifespans, reduce costs, and further enable entirely new types of missions.”
 
A new era of space resilience

Until now, satellites have been built with costly backup systems because they could not be repaired or upgraded once launched. RSGS changes that equation.
 
“This program has always been about more than hardware, it’s about the collaboration and dedication of an extraordinary team,” said Jim Barnds, NRL RSGS program manager. “NRL not only engineered the robotic payload and its components but also shaped the mission design, flight operations, and detailed modeling and simulation that make this capability viable for both government and commercial operations.”
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus sits in the cryogenic thermal vacuum chamber for testing at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) in Washington, D.C., July 28, 2025. NRL NCST, with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is conducting final space-readiness testing on RSGS, a robotic payload designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus sits in the cryogenic thermal vacuum chamber for testing at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) in Washington, D.C., July 28, 2025. NRL NCST, with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is conducting final space-readiness testing on RSGS, a robotic payload designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
RSGS TVAC Chamber
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus sits in the cryogenic thermal vacuum chamber for testing at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) in Washington, D.C., July 28, 2025. NRL NCST, with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is conducting final space-readiness testing on RSGS, a robotic payload designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: Sarah Peterson
VIRIN: 250728-N-CZ309-1042

“As the payload heads toward launch, we’re proud to see years of effort turn into a capability where the spacecraft and payload will enable over a decade of servicing opportunities”, Barnds said. “This is going to change the way the world approaches space operations,” he added.
 
NRL scientists and engineers spent years maturing the technology and working on the engineering design for this mission. RSGS is designed with Department of Defense reliability standards, including redundant robotic arms, avionics, and mission tools. The system carries a sophisticated Rendezvous and Proximity Operations suite with multiple cameras, sensors, and infrared imaging to allow safe approach and servicing to client satellites. Two robotic arms, equipped with lights, cameras, and tool changers, will execute capture, inspection, and upgrade tasks using specialized tools with the capability of adding new tools after launch if needed. By enabling routine service, it promises longer lifespans, lower costs, and new opportunities for innovation in space infrastructure.
 
Looking ahead to launch 
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus sits outside the cryogenic thermal vacuum chamber after completing testing at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) in Washington, D.C., Sept. 4, 2025. NRL NCST, with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is conducting final space-readiness testing on RSGS, a robotic payload designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus sits outside the cryogenic thermal vacuum chamber after completing testing at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) in Washington, D.C., Sept. 4, 2025. NRL NCST, with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is conducting final space-readiness testing on RSGS, a robotic payload designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
RSGS
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload integrated with the Northrop Grumman Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) spacecraft bus sits outside the cryogenic thermal vacuum chamber after completing testing at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) in Washington, D.C., Sept. 4, 2025. NRL NCST, with funding support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is conducting final space-readiness testing on RSGS, a robotic payload designed to extend and upgrade satellites already in orbit.
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: Jonathan Steffen-Arnold
VIRIN: 250904-N-UI176-1227

Following completion of TVAC at NRL, the spacecraft will undergo final integrated systems testing this Fall at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Dulles, Virginia.
 
Once in orbit, the MRV and payload will enter checkout before beginning proximity operations, rendezvous, and client servicing demonstrations. Tasks will range from anomaly resolution and orbit modification to upgrades and inspections, proving the ability to extend and enhance satellite service life.
 
With launch preparations starting soon, RSGS is poised to demonstrate its robotic capabilities in orbit for the first time, marking the beginning of a new era in resilient space operations.
 
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL, located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.
 
For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@us.navy.mil.
 
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spacecraft engineering