The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) opened an office in Huntsville, Ala., as more Missile Defense Agency programs and technical work relocate there, APL announced.

APL works closely with MDA on a range of programs, such as ballistic missile defense (BMD).

The programs include the Ground-based Midcourse Defense, THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense), Combined Test Force, Targets and Countermeasures, Sensors, and Ballistic Missile Defense Systems Engineering directorates now located in Huntsville.

APL also serves as technical direction agent for the Aegis BMD program, and is a principal technical advisor for the MDA Sensors Directorate.

Located near MDA offices in Cummings Research Park, the 3,200-square-foot APL facility will accommodate up to 14 resident employees (up to six will initially staff the office).

The facility is fully connected to the APL main campus in Laurel, Md., “so electronically speaking, it appears users are sitting in an office on our main campus,” says Olivares. The Huntsville office provides a convenient portal through which MDA can access the full breadth of APL capabilities.