HOUSE MEMORIAL 16

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Nathan P. Small

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE PHYSICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY AT NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY; CELEBRATING EIGHTY YEARS OF THE LABORATORY'S RESEARCH AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO INNOVATION, NATIONAL SECURITY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.

 

     WHEREAS, the physical science laboratory at New Mexico state university, founded in 1946 in Las Cruces, is southern New Mexico's premier university-based applied research laboratory, advancing technologies that support the nation's defense, aerospace and security missions; and

     WHEREAS, the physical science laboratory was established in direct response to the nation's emerging defense, missile and space programs following World War II, beginning with its first contract on May 15, 1946 to support the army ballistics research laboratory and assemble teams of students and scientists to process and analyze V-2 rocket telemetry data in support of early American rocket research at White Sands proving ground; and

     WHEREAS, during the mid-twentieth century, the laboratory expanded its mission to include telemetry and flight test support for military missile systems; the development and testing of antennas and instrumentation; and the establishment of satellite tracking capabilities that contributed to global space tracking networks, strengthening the United States' scientific, aerospace and defense infrastructure throughout the Cold War and beyond; and

     WHEREAS, for nearly eight decades, the laboratory has integrated applied research with hands-on education, supporting partners across federal agencies, industry and academia while translating academic innovation into mission-ready capabilities that address evolving national security and aerospace requirements; and

     WHEREAS, the laboratory has continually evolved to meet emerging national needs, sustaining and expanding expertise in telemetry and missile systems, hypersonics, aerospace and spaceflight systems, electronic warfare and advanced sensing technologies, cybersecurity and information sciences, unmanned aircraft systems and predictive modeling and decision support, delivering mission-critical solutions that enhance defense readiness, aerospace advancement and homeland security; and

     WHEREAS, the physical science laboratory is one of only nine institutions nationwide designated by the federal aviation administration as an unmanned aircraft systems test site, and the laboratory plays a key role in advancing unmanned aircraft systems research, testing and workforce development that support safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems technologies into the national airspace and strengthening New Mexico's leadership in aerospace innovation; and

     WHEREAS, the laboratory designs, builds, tests and deploys advanced systems and technologies used by government and industry partners worldwide, reinforcing New Mexico's reputation as a center of excellence in national security, aerospace and applied research; and

     WHEREAS, the laboratory plays a vital role in educating and mentoring generations of students by providing hands-on research, cooperative education and workforce development programs that prepare New Mexico students for high-demand careers in science, engineering, aerospace and national security, strengthening the state's talent pipeline and long-term economic competitiveness; and

     WHEREAS, the laboratory serves as a cornerstone of southern New Mexico's growing national security and innovation ecosystem, collaborating closely with regional military installations, industry partners, academic institutions and community stakeholders while contributing significantly to the economic vitality and technological leadership of New Mexico and the broader southwest region of the United States; and

     WHEREAS, the enduring legacy of the physical science laboratory reflects the values of innovation, service and collaboration that define New Mexico and exemplifies the essential role of university-based applied research laboratories in advancing scientific discovery, national defense, workforce development and public service;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the physical science laboratory at New Mexico state university be recognized and honored for the laboratory's eighty years of distinguished service as the state's premier university-based applied research laboratory and as a vital national security and aerospace asset for New Mexico, the southwest and the United States; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the president of New Mexico state university, the director of the physical science laboratory and the governor in appreciation of the laboratory's historic legacy and continued contributions to innovation, national security, workforce development and economic prosperity.

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