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Livermore Today
By the People, for the People
LLNL Hosts Space LDRD Ideas Day to Advance Space Security
Event connects researchers with program leaders to refine proposals for future Laboratory Directed Research and Development projects.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Global Security Directorate recently hosted a "Space LDRD Ideas Day" event, where researchers from various disciplines presented 23 ideas to fill critical gaps in space technology and strengthen space domain awareness capabilities. The event aimed to accelerate the development of promising concepts by connecting researchers with program leaders to refine the proposals into competitive LDRD projects.
Why it matters
As the space environment becomes more contested, LLNL's integrated approach to pursuing LDRD projects ensures the Laboratory is in position to respond quickly to emerging security threats. Events like the Space LDRD Ideas Day help maintain a steady influx of bold, early-stage ideas to support the Lab's space security mission.
The details
During the event, astrophysicists, engineers, and materials scientists pitched their forward-thinking approaches to challenges in space security, ranging from an advanced neutron detector to liquid metal printing. After each presentation, peers and leadership provided feedback to refine the proposals into flight-ready technologies. The LDRD Program, created by Congress in 1991, is a competitive vehicle for LLNL to develop future capabilities vital to its missions.
- The Space LDRD Ideas Day event was recently hosted by LLNL's Global Security Directorate.
- The LDRD Program was created by Congress in 1991.
The players
Benjamin Bahney
Leader of LLNL's space program.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
A U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Livermore, California, that specializes in advancing cutting-edge science, technology, and engineering.
What they’re saying
“We have an abundance of promising looking proposals. It's really important to get out and socialize your idea.”
— Benjamin Bahney, Leader of LLNL's space program (Mirage News)
“Space Ideas Day is our opportunity to hear from LLNL staff about how the Laboratory can get after some of the hardest problems in the space domain. This event is a great opportunity for us to really listen to our incredibly talented staff, and to drive forward LLNL research and development to advance our mission.”
— Benjamin Bahney, Leader of LLNL's space program (Mirage News)
What’s next
The LDRD program will now evaluate the proposals presented at the Space LDRD Ideas Day event and select the most promising concepts to receive funding for further development.
The takeaway
LLNL's Space LDRD Ideas Day demonstrates the laboratory's commitment to fostering innovative solutions to address the growing challenges in the space domain. By connecting researchers with program leaders, the event helps ensure a steady pipeline of bold, early-stage ideas to support LLNL's space security mission.
