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NMSU's Physical Sciences Lab briefs lawmakers on hypersonics, telemetry and $16M equipment need
Summary
Physical Sciences Lab leaders told a legislative committee PSL supports national-security testing, UAS flight tests and hypersonics telemetry but needs capital upgrades (about $16 million) for an anechoic chamber, thermal and vibration test equipment and expanded facilities to scale telemetry and accept higher launch cadences.
Dr. Sullivan and division directors from New Mexico State University's Physical Sciences Lab (PSL) told the Science, Technology & Telecommunications committee that PSL operates as a university-based applied research lab supporting national security work, telemetry, UAS testing and partnerships with Los Alamos, Sandia and White Sands Missile Range.
Margaret Campos, director of telemetry and missile systems, emphasized the lab's role in hypersonics testing and the planned increase in cadence: PSL has been supporting only a handful of missions per year historically and expects to scale toward dozens annually as new contracts come online. Campos said that to achieve that scale PSL needs more staff and testing equipment, calling out an aging anechoic chamber with an estimated $4 million replacement cost and additional thermal and vibration testing capacity.
"We are one of the few universities that are we're this close to getting our cybersecurity maturity model certification," Dr. Sullivan said, noting PSL's role in supporting the Statewide Education Network security operations in partnership with NMSU. Marcela Shelby, PSL's strategic initiatives officer, described student pipelines (Gateway to Hire, STEM Mavericks AI camp) and said CRU (classified-ready) student programs launched in 2020 are already sending students into defense positions.
Lawmakers asked about staffing and training. Campos said PSL expects gradual scaling and estimates the telemetry division could roughly double staffing over the next three years, using partnerships with Dona Ana Community College, NMSU engineering and apprenticeship/co-op programs to draw technicians and engineers.
PSL leaders requested one-time capital funding of about $16 million to upgrade test equipment and facilities to remain competitive and support an expanded mission. Committee members encouraged follow-up engagement with state economic development and higher education offices; PSL offered to host tours and provide more detailed cost breakdowns.
