News

Physicist to head USU’s Space Dynamics Lab

By Brian Maffly
The Salt Lake Tribune
October 20, 2008

Utah State University has named a physicist with a 30–year background in federal energy research to head its Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), replacing the recently retired Mike Pavich. Cache Valley native Douglas Lemon has worn many hats at Washington state’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, most recently as the lab’s strategy director and as CEO of a spin–off called Advanced Geographic Information Systems, Inc.

Next week Lemon, who holds a doctorate from USU, assumes the reins of SDL, a nonprofit research corporation that seeks to identify technologies with potential for development into profitable enterprises.

“The nation faces many challenges such as understanding climate change, developing new sources of energy, and continuing to provide national and homeland security,” Lemon said. “SDL can contribute significantly to the needed solutions through its outstanding people and unique facilities.”

The lab, housed at USU’s Innovation Campus in North Logan, has designed, fabricated and operated nearly 500 payloads, including Space Shuttle experiments, small satellites and satellite–based sensor systems. Its scientists are expert in infrared and hyperspectral sensor development, data compression and processing, cryogenic systems and sensor calibration.

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