DARPA- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

DARPA has various projects ranging from ways to “controlling the electromagnetic spectrum, new cyber opportunities, big data analytics, brain function, outpacing the threat of infectious disease, and accelerating the development of synthetic biology.” However, a major shift in focus of DARPA according to its Director, Arati Prabhakar, is in space technology, referring back to its originally purpose back in 1958. The agency is attempting to reducing the inefficiencies in cost and speed currently for launching anything to space for even national security purposes. As a result, DARPA is focusing on three projects revolving around resolving this issue, and is utilizing one of DARPA’s programs, ALASA (Airborne Launch Assist Space Access Program). Another one of DARPA’s programs is Phoenix which is working on creating a future where robots can service satellites and assemble them rather than their human counterparts. The Director expresses that she wishes to continue DARPA’s reputation of working alongside commercial groups in order to successfully complete each of these projects; this once again showcases DARPA’s focus and drive in order to achieve the technological advancements the nation and civilians need.

General DARPA Info

The Director of The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is Dr. Arati Prabhakar. She first joined DARPA as a program manager in 1986. The Agency employs roughly 200 people.

What is the purpose of DARPA?

DARPA was originally created by Dwight D. Eisenhower (then known as Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA)) in 1958 in order to respond to the Soviets launching Sputnik 1 in 1957. It reports directly to the senior Department of Defense Management. Its purpose is to develop technology that will allow the American military force to excel well beyond that of our enemies.

How Much Money Does DARPA Deal With?

DARPA's budget reaches amounts usually around $2-3 billion.

Is DARPA Worth The Trouble?

DARPA has not only benefitted the military (as it was originally made to do) but has also resulted in technological advancements that have had a major impact on the world. These advancements include:

-Computer Networking

-General Electric Digital X-Ray (the only FDA approved Mammographic Digital Detector)

and MOST IMPORTANTLY:

Is DARPA Worth The Trouble?

The Internet (DARPA developed its precursor-ARPANET)

Furthermore:

-DARPA runs on small project-run groups. Once the project is completed the group disbands and the people are allocated to new developing projects.

-The agency is able to focus on these technological advancements.

-Allows America (especially in our world today) to be better prepared for any unprecedented attacks from enemy nations.

-Continues to benefit civilians

So, Should We Keep DARPA?

Yes. Why?

-It is focused. Functioning in small groups that are disbanded upon completing their purpose.

-Aids in the protection of America against its enemy nations

-Most importantly: not only does it benefit the military, but also benefits civilians as well. Thus, it has an overarching purpose and justification to continue to receive funding.

More DARPA Facts

For a cool article about DARPA:

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121474

Official DARPA Website:

http://www.darpa.mil/default.aspx

Pellerin, Cheryl. "United States Department of Defense."

Defense.gov News Article: DARPA Programs Create New Future for Space, Director Says. N.p., 13 Jan. 2014. Web. 23 Apr. 2014.

DARPA- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

By: Sai Mupparaju