HUNTSVILLE-On Tuesday morning, February 14 Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) spoke to and took questions from more than 400 attendees at the Nineteenth Annual Directed Energy Symposium in Huntsville. Redstone Arsenal has played a pioneering and pivotal role in the application of directed energy (electromagnetic radiation, lasers, and the like) as weapons.
Congressman Brooks Addresses
Directed Energy Symposium in Huntsville.
Congressman Brooks said, “It is very appropriate for the Directed Energy Symposium to be held in Huntsville this year as the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command has been designated to lead high-energy laser development. Moreover, the Missile Defense Agency, also on Redstone, has had some very significant high-energy laser programs and is currently maintaining robust technology investment through our national laboratories. Finally, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is leading the way for in-space propulsion and they have looked at various methods of employing high-energy lasers for space travel. The outstanding turnout of more than 400 attendees is a testament to the central role North Alabama has in this emerging technology field.”
Brooks added, “In Washington, I recently facilitated a meeting with almost all of the Alabama congressional delegation and key staff members for an update from Tom Webber, the Acting Director of the Technical Center at US Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Together with Dr. Kip Kendrick, Chief of the High Energy Laser Division, we were encouraged to hear how diligent their team has been to setting realistic goals on a path to fielding an operational high-energy laser.”
Brooks concluded, “The Tennessee Valley has a pivotal role in the future of directed energy, not only through the work with the Army and NASA, but also the work being done by the Missile Defense Agency and the Missile and Space Intelligence Center. As a member of the Congressional Directed Energy Caucus I will continue working to advocate and raise awareness for the national security applications of this technology in Congress.”
Media Release/Congressman Mo Brooks/Annalyse Keller
