In The NNSA:
National Security Technologies (NSTec), the contractor that manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), purchased two Sandstorm unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for a program at the facility that develops sensor technology for these systems, the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Nevada Field Office announced Wednesday.
The two small- to medium-sized systems capable of carrying up to 20 pounds were acquired from Henderson, Nev.-based Unmanned Systems Inc., which will also provide training and maintenance. Seven NNSS team members, including pilots, engineers, and mechanics, are in training, the statement said.
A drone “can be used in situations where manned aircraft may not be used safely. These small aerial platforms can be used at the NNSS for sensor development, as well as site security, environmental monitoring, radiological remote sensing and national security applications,” NSTec President Jim Holt said in the announcement.
An NNSS spokesman said by email the total cost of the two drones, including training, maintenance, and operational support, was $240,000.
The Sandia National Laboratories’ California campus on Saturday will celebrate its 60th birthday with a look back at its history and a look forward at its continuing contributions to national security.
The Livermore site is the primary offshoot of Sandia’s main location in Albuquerque, N.M.
“We take great pride in all that has been accomplished at this site over the last 60 years and want to share this with the community,” said Marianne Walck, vice president of the California facility and the Energy and Climate program, said in a press release. “This event is a chance to showcase some of the important work that happens here.”
The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St. in Livermore. Sandia Director Jill Hruby will discuss the site’s history and ongoing work, according to a press release. Additional speakers will include Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and other local and state lawmakers, along Deputy Director Thomas Giaconda from the nearby Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. It will also feature national security speeches from Sandia systems analyst and engineer Jarret Lafleur and Cybersecurity R&D Manager Levi Lloyd.
