DARPA

File:DARPA through 50 years.ogv

DARPA headquarters

File:01 The Formative Years 1958 - 1975 (DARPA history).ogv File:02 - The Cold War Era 1975 - 1989 (DARPA history).ogv File:03 - The Post-Soviet Years 1989 - Present 2008 (DARPA history).ogv The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is an agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military. Established in 1958 as the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in response to the Soviet launching of Sputnik 1 in 1957, DARPA's mission is to prevent strategic surprise from negatively impacting U.S. national security and to create strategic surprise for its adversaries.

History

The inception of DARPA was directly attributed to the launch of Sputnik, which signaled the start of the space age and the U.S. falling behind in the technology race. The agency was tasked with the development of space technology, ballistic missile defense, and satellite communication systems. Over the years, DARPA has been responsible for funding the development of many technologies that have had a significant impact on the world, including the Internet (originally ARPANET), Global Positioning System (GPS), and stealth technology.

Organization

DARPA is organized into six technical offices that manage the agency's research portfolio in areas that include defense against terrorism, cyber-warfare, and biotechnology. DARPA does not have its own laboratories or research staff; instead, it funds research projects conducted by universities, corporate labs, and other organizations.

Projects

DARPA's projects are often highly ambitious and include a wide range of technologies. Some of its more notable projects include:

- The ARPANET, which was the precursor to the modern Internet. - The Strategic Computing Program, which aimed to develop advanced computing technologies. - The Grand Challenge, a competition to develop autonomous vehicles. - The Robotics Challenge, aimed at developing advanced robotic systems that can assist humans in disaster response. - The Brain Initiative, which seeks to develop new technologies for understanding and interfacing with the human brain.

Impact

DARPA's work has had a profound impact on both military and civilian technologies. The agency's approach to high-risk, high-reward research has led to breakthroughs that have transformed the technological landscape, enhancing the United States' military capabilities and spawning entire industries.

Criticism

Despite its successes, DARPA has faced criticism over the years for its high levels of secrecy, its focus on military applications, and the potential ethical implications of some of its research projects, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

See Also

• United States Department of Defense
• Sputnik 1
• Internet
• Global Positioning System
• Stealth technology