Engineering Development Laboratory

As a result of having been the nation's primary launch site since the beginning of the space program, KSC has developed a considerable specialized supporting infrastructure. This infrastructure is often unique within the Agency and the space community, and consists of the resources, including researchers, engineers, analysts, and technicians that are specially selected for their unique knowledge and expertise, along with the facilities, systems, and equipment which are supportive of their research needs. These are embodied by the Engineering Development (MM) Laboratories. These laboratories produce equipment and technology specifically tailored to KSC's primary goal of "providing safe and efficient payload preparations and launch and landing services while reducing costs Centerwide". The laboratories focus on specific solutions to problems or needs identified by the Shuttle and Payload communities, KSC's primary customers. These needs are generally driven by operational requirements to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and safety or to satisfy externally driven requirements such as environmental regulations and OSHA requirements. These multi-disciplined laboratories provide the infrastructure to address the complex, hazardous, and unique aspects of KSC operations.