Created in 1951 as a federally funded research center of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lincoln Laboratory was focused on improving the nations air defense system through advanced electronics. Lincoln Laboratory in the 1950sLincoln Laboratory in the 1950s .The Laboratorys inception was prompted by the Air Defense Systems Engineering Committees 1950 report that concluded the U.S. was unprepared for the threat of an air attack. Because of MITs management of the Radiation Laboratory during World War II, the experience of some of its staff on the Air Defense Systems Engineering Committee, and its proven competence in electronics, the Air Force was convinced that MIT could provide the research needed to develop an air defense that could detect, identify, and ultimately intercept air threats.

Address: Lincoln Laboratory , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , 244 Wood Street , Lexington, MA 02420-9108
Telephone: 781-981-5500
Website: http://www.ll.mit.edu/IST/