Science

From Shuttle Camp To Spaceship: Launch Pad Lecture At NM Museum Of Space History Feb. 6

by

Tori Crichton

NMDCA News:

ALAMOGORDO — Join Las Cruces native and Virgin Galactic propulsion engineer Tori Crichton for an engaging look at the thrilling world of commercial spaceflight 9–10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 6, at the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium.  Drawing from personal experiences—from attending shuttle camp at New Mexico Museum of Space History as a child to earning dual degrees at New Mexico State University—Crichton’s presentation explores the engineering behind Virgin Galactic and its systems. 

Learn about the innovations that Read More

Celebrate HAM Day At NM Museum Of Space History Jan. 31

by

NMDCA News:

Celebrate Astro-Chimp HAM and his contribution to America’s space program at New Mexico Museum of Space History on Science Saturday to commemorate HAM’s launch 157 miles into space on Jan. 31, 1961, paving the way for the US Space program.

From 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, NMMSH is partnering with the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce for an explanation of the role all the Astro-Chimps played in preparing the way for humans in space.

The New Horizons Dome Theater & Planetarium at New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM. Science Saturday Read More

Los Alamos National Laboratory: FY 2025 Economic Impact

by

Evening view of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Courtesy/LANL

LANL News:

  • $2 billion in employee salaries across 6 northern New Mexico counties; $752 Million spent with local businesses

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) released its annual Economic Impact Report detailing spending during fiscal year 2025, which ended Sept. 30. With an annual budget of $5.28 billion, the Laboratory is a major economic driver in the state.

“For more than 80 years, Los Alamos National Laboratory has played a critical role in New Mexico’s economy and its communities,” Laboratory Director Thom Mason said. Read More

Traveling Exhibition At New Mexico Museum Of Natural History & Science Showcases Armor In Animal Kingdom

by

The ancient mammal Doedicurus, with Smilodon on top attacking. This specimen on view in the traveling exhibition Animal Armor: The Evolution of Armor in Dinosaurs. Courtesy/NMMNHS

NMMNHS News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) welcomes a new traveling exhibition exploring the natural defenses that animals have evolved over millions of years. Animal Armor: The Evolution of Armor in Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals will be on view when the museum reopens this spring. 

“From Ankylosaurus to armadillos, animals have been evolving new ways to Read More

LANL Foundation Awards $100,000 In STEM Framework Grants To Support STEAM Education In Northern NM

by

LANL Foundation News:

ESPAÑOLA — Sixteen schools and community-based organizations throughout Northern New Mexico received grants to support the work they are doing to innovate STEAM education. 

Made possible by $100,000 in funding from the National Nuclear Security Administration for STEM career pipeline development, this one-year grant initiative will support hands-on learning and help to build a regional STEAM framework — an educational approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math to foster inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving Read More

Los Alamos High School Named To 2025 AP School Honor Roll … Earning Silver Distinction … Third Year In A Row

by

Award-winning Los Alamos High School at 1300 Diamond Drive. Courtesy/LAPS

EDUCATION News:

The College Board has announced that Los Alamos High School (LAHS) has been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Silver distinction.

This is the third consecutive year that the school has earned this achievement.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening participation. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing their school’s Read More

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Unveils National Agreement To Conserve Bumble Bees Through Energy & Transportation Partnerships

by

USFWS News:

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing an enhancement of survival permit under a nationwide conservation benefit agreement to support at-risk bumble bees on energy and transportation lands across the lower 48 states.

The proposal would streamline consultation and permitting for energy and transportation projects and directly supports the Trump administration’s priority to facilitate energy production and delivery while conserving listed and at-risk species.

The agreement also aligns with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy”, Read More

Op-Ed: New Mexico Can’t Afford To Be Left Out Of Innovation & Opportunity

by

By DAVIN LOPEZ
NMIDEA President

New Mexico has always been a place of ingenuity. From agriculture and aerospace to energy and advanced manufacturing, we’ve built our economy by solving problems in tough environments. But too often, when the New Mexico Legislature talks about innovation, investment, and economic development, they forget about the importance of research and development (R&D). Passing the R&D tax credit bill is a chance to change that — and it’s a chance the Legislature should not miss.

The research and development tax credit is not a giveaway. It’s a proven tool used Read More

Three Los Alamos National Laboratory Scientists Earn American Physical Society Recognition

by

LANL scientists from left, Larry Glenn Hill, Christopher Fryer and Christopher Morris. Courtesy/LANL

LANL News:

Three Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) scientists have received prestigious recognition from the American Physical Society. Larry Glenn Hill was elected as a fellow of the society, Christopher Fryer was awarded the 2026 Hans A. Bethe Prize, and Christopher Morris received the 2026 Tom W. Bonner Prize in Nuclear Physics.

“This American Physical Society recognition reflects the broad-ranging and impactful work in which our Los Alamos scientists excel,” Laboratory Director Read More

Los Alamos Conducts Rocket Launch To Test New Concepts

by

The SpaceLoft-XL 18 rocket launches at Spaceport America. Courtesy/LANL

LANL News:

  • Researchers work with multiple partners to reach new heights in high-cadence, low-cost experiments

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) scientists are examining data from a recent successful suborbital rocket launch. On Nov. 19, the Laboratory, in conjunction with commercial partner UP Aerospace, conducted the launch at Spaceport America in southern New Mexico. The goal was to test the performance of a new vehicle featuring a deployable heat shield. The heat shield was developed in collaboration Read More