Science on Tap: Securing the High Ground – How New Mexico’s Superlab shaped the Aerospace Frontier

About this event

For over eight decades, New Mexico’s desert landscapes have served as the silent crucible for some of the world’s most critical national security breakthroughs.

In this presentation, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Historian Darren Raspa traces the evolutionary arc of military science and technology from the dawn of the atomic age to the modern space frontier. By exploring the deep historical roots of local defense research, from early nuclear weapons effects testing and strategic deterrence to pioneering advancements in directed energy, space surveillance, and satellite technology, this talk reveals how the Air Force laboratories of the Land of Enchantment continuously redefined the boundaries of flight, defense, and global security.

Attendees will gain an exclusive look at the human stories, unsung scientific pioneers, and local historic milestones that laid the groundwork for the

fascinating artifacts on display at the new AFRL exhibit at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

Event Details

• Friday, November 6, 2026 | Doors Open at 5:30 pm | Presentation at 6:00 pm

• Location: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

• Admission: $12 per person

• Requirement: Must be 21 plus to attend. An adult must accompany younger guests.

Following this presentation, the Museum will officially open the new exhibit , Space, Lasers, and Legacy: The AFRL Phillips Research Site Story, which showcases the people, technologies, and discoveries that helped shape America’s space and defense capabilities.

From The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History