Welcome to Excavating Innovation, a bi-monthly interview series with the visionaries and trailblazers who call Space Valley home. Each edition reveals how remarkable individuals dig deep into their scientific explorations, engineering breakthroughs, and collaborative endeavors to unearth groundbreaking ideas.
In this edition, we’re honored to feature Colonel Jeremy A. Raley, Commander of the Phillips Research Site and Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. Col. Raley oversees AFRL’s mission to develop and transition space technologies that ensure the United States maintains its leadership in space for national defense, exploration, and beyond.
From advancing resilient satellite systems to forging partnerships that unite military, industry, and academia, Col. Raley leads one of the most critical space R&D hubs in the country. We spoke with him about AFRL’s work, why New Mexico is an unparalleled center for innovation, and where the future of space technology is headed.
Could you provide a high-level overview of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s work in New Mexico and how it specifically drives innovation in space technologies?
The space domain is increasingly critical to national security, enabling vital missions for the U.S. and its allies. To maintain our advantage in the face of rapid advancements by strategic competitors, the Department of Defense prioritizes the development and deployment of resilient space assets. These assets empower warfighters and intelligence analysts with cutting-edge capabilities.
AFRL’s Space Vehicles and Directed Energy Directorates, both headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base, serve as vital hubs for innovation. With world-class facilities, strong collaborative partnerships, and a highly skilled workforce, these directorates push the boundaries of space technology to ensure the U.S. remains a leader across the air and space domains.
How does being located in New Mexico shape your directorate’s approach to advancing space innovation?
New Mexico is more than just where we’re based; it’s part of who we are. The state’s deep legacy in space exploration and its collaborative spirit fuel our work. Partnerships with local institutions and industry help us develop and transition technologies faster.
Kirtland AFB offers unique research sites with decades of history in space technology development. The clear skies and dry climate here create ideal conditions for ground-based space observation, and our location gives us access to a highly skilled technical workforce and a thriving aerospace sector. It’s the perfect environment for innovation that supports both national security and future exploration.
In what ways do the region’s history and geography give AFRL advantages in communications, PNT, and space domain awareness research?
Since shortly after World War II, New Mexico’s high desert has been a proving ground for aerospace innovation. Its low humidity and minimal cloud cover provide some of the best viewing conditions in the world, essential for optical space domain awareness.
At Kirtland, our Starfire Optical Range is equipped to test advanced sensing techniques that meet the challenging requirements of the U.S. Space Force. The region also allows us to test cutting-edge optical communications technologies.
Just as importantly, we’re positioned near key partners: White Sands Missile Range, Sandia National Labs, Los Alamos National Labs, Space Systems Command units, the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, and the future Range and Aggressor Delta site. This proximity gives us unmatched opportunities for collaboration and integrated testing.
AFRL often works closely with universities, local startups, and other stakeholders. How critical are these partnerships, and can you share a success story?
They’re essential. Partnering with universities gives us access to leading-edge research and a steady flow of talented graduates. Working with startups injects agility and creativity into our work, helping us explore unconventional solutions and speed up technology transitions.
One example is our collaboration with Resilient Solutions 21 (RS21), an Albuquerque-based data analytics company. Through our Hyperspace Challenge program, run out of our off-base innovation hub Q Station, RS21 adapted healthcare algorithms into a spacecraft diagnostic tool. This project secured SBIR Phase I and II awards and demonstrated how non-space technologies can be rapidly reimagined for space applications.
Facilities like Q Station and the NewSpace Nexus Launchpad make this possible, providing shared workspaces, rapid prototyping tools, and a strong professional network for the space community.
Looking five to ten years ahead, what emerging technologies or strategic priorities will be most critical for the U.S. Space Force, and how is AFRL preparing?
Space dominance will depend on resilient, adaptable systems capable of rapid reconfiguration and quick deployment to stay ahead of potential adversaries. Superior space domain awareness will be key, requiring us to track, understand, and predict the behavior of objects in orbit.
We’re advancing sensors, AI-driven data analysis, responsive launch capabilities, and propulsion systems to give the Space Force unprecedented agility and situational awareness in space. These capabilities will ensure the U.S. can react quickly to emerging threats and maintain a proactive, dominant posture.
For entrepreneurs, researchers, or students who want to get involved with AFRL’s work in New Mexico, what advice would you offer?
Q Station is the best starting point. It’s our “front door” for collaboration and a hub for connecting with AFRL and Space Force programs.
We also have multiple avenues for engagement:
- For students: AFRL Summer Scholars Program, SMART Scholarships, NDSEG Fellowships, and the University Nanosatellite Program
- For industry and academia: Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, Commercial Testing Agreements, and Education Partnership Agreements
These programs bring together diverse expertise to solve some of the toughest challenges in space technology.
What’s one thing people don’t ask about your work but should?
They often overlook the human factor. Our facilities, technology, and partnerships are vital, but the real driver of AFRL’s success is our people. Recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent is at the core of our mission. For anyone passionate about shaping the future of space, New Mexico offers opportunity, purpose, and a community committed to innovation.
Under Col. Jeremy A. Raley’s leadership, AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate embodies the spirit of Space Valley: where cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to national security converge under the clear skies of New Mexico. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or entrepreneur, the path to shaping the future of space might just start here.
Stay tuned for more Excavating Innovation interviews highlighting the people and organizations defining the next era of space exploration and technology. Visit SpaceValley.org for upcoming events, stories, and opportunities to connect.
