Space lab researcher to highlight SLC sunrise session

Utah State University has designed, built and flown more experiments into space than any other university in the world. Attendees at the Sunrise Session will hear from USU Space Dynamics Laboratory researcher J. Clair Batty, who will discuss USU’s space research heritage and the innovative next-generation discoveries in which SDL is involved.

Batty will highlight many of SDL’s research innovations, including the cryogenically-cooled infrared space telescopes that SDL has created, making it a worldwide leader in the space industry. He will also discuss the technologies used to create the telescopes and their potential for commercial market applications, including electronics and computer cooling.

“SDL’s legacy is impressive,” Batty said. “We have world-class researchers creating the next generation of space instruments. These new technologies translate into the commercial sector creating jobs and benefiting Utah’s economy.”

Founded in 1982, SDL engineers and scientists have worked closely with USU students to design and develop many research experiments flown on the space shuttle. SDL works in close collaboration with USU’s College of Engineering to identify and secure funding for research projects and also provides thousands of USU students with hands-on experience in engineering and many other disciplines. SDL’s expertise in the development of sensors and calibration, small satellites and real-time intelligence, has made it an internationally known organization in the space arena.

Batty has received many awards and honors in his career, including the 2003 Governor’s Medal in Science and Technology. Batty received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Utah State and a doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research has brought in more than $100 million in research grants to USU and SDL.

USU’s Sunrise Sessions is a breakfast lecture series held quarterly that is designed to highlight timely and cutting-edge research conducted at Utah State University. The lecture is sponsored by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah.

What: USU Sunrise Session Research Breakfast

“Space Technologies Applied to Utah Business”

Speakers: USU Space Dynamics Laboratory Researcher J. Clair Batty

When: Friday, June 13, 7:30-8:45 a.m.

Where: Little America Hotel, 500 South Main, Salt Lake City