The US Space Force has officially opened a cutting-edge facility aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts in the development and prototyping of advanced military capabilities at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The facility, named The Crucible Innovation Lab, is equipped with an array of high-performance computers, 3D printers, power tools, and virtual reality platforms designed to turn innovative concepts into practical solutions that benefit military personnel engaged in modern warfare.
In his remarks during the opening ceremony, US Space Force Spaceport Innovation Chief Maj. Bryan Davis highlighted the lab’s purpose: enabling members of the base to create local solutions tailored to their specific mission needs. “Our goal is for Team Vandenberg to utilize the space to develop local solutions to their own mission needs instead of being forced to wait for a solution to come,” Davis stated. He emphasized that the lab would enhance the base’s strategic objectives encompassing the space mission, supporting mission partners, improving quality of life, and fostering innovation and digital transformation.
The Crucible Innovation Lab aims to empower units to develop their internal solutions, which could ultimately lead to significant savings in time and resources. This facility marks a strategic step towards improving overall efficiency and effectiveness within the military framework. It will also facilitate access to extensive networks, incorporating the innovative efforts of AFWERX and SPACEWERX, as well as partnerships with local Navy sectors and academic institutions, fostering a collaborative environment for the advancement of military capabilities.
The unveiling of The Crucible Innovation Lab follows a groundbreaking ceremony for another upcoming US Space Force facility, the Re-Entry Vehicle Integration Laboratory (REVIL), located in New Mexico. REVIL will serve as a pivotal evaluation site for the Air Force Research Lab, focusing on advancements related to re-entry vehicles, which are crucial for operations that bridge ground and space-based missions. Spanning 5,265 square feet in Albuquerque, REVIL is projected to be completed by next year, further enhancing the US Space Force’s capabilities in critical aerospace research and development.
