Draper Laboratory

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, commonly known as Draper Laboratory, is a prominent non-profit research and development organization. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Draper Laboratory is renowned for its pivotal role in the advancement of inertial navigation systems and its significant contributions to the Apollo program.

Historical Background

Draper Laboratory traces its origins to the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, which was founded by Charles Stark "Doc" Draper in 1932. Draper, often referred to as the "father of inertial navigation," was instrumental in developing technologies that would later enable humankind to land on the moon.

MIT Instrumentation Laboratory

Initially part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Instrumentation Laboratory specialized in developing advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems. During the 1960s, it became particularly well-known for designing the Apollo Guidance Computer, which played a crucial role in the navigation of the Apollo spacecraft.

Transition to Draper Laboratory

In 1970, the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory was spun off as an independent entity and renamed Draper Laboratory in honor of its founder, Charles Stark Draper. Since its inception, Draper Laboratory has continued to innovate in a variety of fields including biomedical science, energy systems, and national security.

Key Contributions

Apollo Guidance Computer

One of the most significant achievements of Draper Laboratory is the development of the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC). The AGC was a pioneering digital computer designed to assist astronauts with navigation and control during the Apollo missions. It was groundbreaking for its use of silicon integrated circuits and was essential for the success of the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first humans on the moon in 1969.

Inertial Navigation Systems

Draper Laboratory has made substantial advancements in inertial navigation systems (INS), technologies that enable the precise determination of position and orientation without the need for external references. These systems have been critical for applications in aerospace, underwater navigation, and missile guidance. The laboratory's work in this field dates back to its early days and continues to be a cornerstone of its research and development efforts.

Spin-offs and Collaborations

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Draper Laboratory has a collaborative history with other renowned research institutions, including the MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Founded as a part of MIT, Lincoln Laboratory focuses on advanced electronics and technology solutions for national security. The synergy between Draper Laboratory and Lincoln Laboratory has resulted in numerous technological advancements, particularly in the fields of radar and missile defense systems.

Servomechanisms Laboratory

The origins of Draper Laboratory are closely linked to the MIT Servomechanisms Laboratory, established in 1940. The Servomechanisms Laboratory was instrumental in the development of early control systems and laid the groundwork for future innovations in guidance technology.

Awards and Recognition

The Charles Stark Draper Prize was established in honor of Draper's immense contributions to engineering. Awarded biennially by the National Academy of Engineering, the Draper Prize recognizes engineers whose work has significantly impacted society. Recipients include pioneers in fields such as microelectronics and computer science.