NNSA technologies to be featured at Smithsonian “Military Invention Day”
WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) is participating in a one-day showcase event at the National Museum of American History Saturday, May 18 in Washington, D.C. featuring the transformative role of innovation for the U.S. military and American economy.
Military Invention Day is a free, family-friendly opportunity to get up close and personal with inventions that have transformed society. NNSA scientists will be on hand to explain how creations such as Micropower Impulse Radar – a revolutionary, pocket-size radar that can operate for several years on AA batteries and only costs a few dollars – have gone from the lab to the battlefield and beyond. An innovative suppressor made for the U.S. Special Operations Command, utilizing the computing power, advance materials, and manufacturing capabilities of NNSA, will also be demonstrated.
“Though they were developed for national security purposes by our weapons program, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered these technologies in your everyday life,” said Dr. Kevin Greenaugh, NNSA’s Assistant Deputy Administrator for Strategic Partnership Programs. “My team and I are excited to talk about our technology transfer program and the incredible work coming out of our National Labs with museum visitors.”
The Smithsonian is expecting thousands of visitors to make their way to the museum’s innovation wing and interact with technologies from not only NNSA, but also the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory. Smithsonian is also bringing out select historical items from its own collection for the occasion.
The day will include keynote remarks from Adm. John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations for the U. S. Navy; a STEM Demonstration by the “Science Squad,” an interactive quiz show; and a “Shark Tank” style program where military technology entrepreneurs will pitch and receive feedback from industry experts and venture capital funders.
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