Weber State University’s MARS Center accelerates hypersonic research, defense innovation, and workforce development through industry collaboration, hands-on student training, and pilot-scale production of advanced materials for national security applications.
Ogden, Utah - April 4, 2025
Weber State University (WSU), in partnership with 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense (47G) and state and national leaders, celebrated a major milestone in defense innovation and workforce development yesterday. The event marked the official recognition of the Miller Advanced Research & Solutions (MARS) Center, a cutting-edge research and manufacturing facility designed to keep the United States at the forefront of hypersonic capabilities.
The gathering brought together university leaders, elected officials, industry partners, and students to reflect on the center’s progress since its founding in August 2022 and to discuss its future. The event featured brief remarks followed by a hands-on tour showcasing the state-of-the-art equipment and student-driven innovation fueling MARS' momentum.
“The MARS Center is not just a research facility—it’s positioned to be a national asset,” said WSU President Brad Mortensen. “It demonstrates the power of partnership between higher education, defense, and industry to deliver real solutions for national security while creating meaningful opportunities for students in Utah.”
Advancing National Defense and Innovation
The MARS Center was established to address a critical national gap in advanced materials and manufacturing. While a key focus is the pilot-scale production of high-temperature materials for hypersonic and reentry systems, its impact extends further. As a collaborative hub, MARS brings together federal labs, defense contractors, startups, and academic researchers to accelerate next-generation solutions from concept to real-world application.
Equipped with advanced manufacturing tools and backed by industry partnerships, MARS supports small-business research and development, fueling innovation in defense, aerospace, energy systems, and emerging technologies like next-generation reactors and steam plants.
Through collaboration with integrators like Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, MARS is enabling the leap from Manufacturing Readiness Level 4 to 6—moving beyond prototyping to pilot-scale production of reusable, advanced thermal protection systems.—MARS is bridging the gap between research and production. By advancing projects from Manufacturing Readiness Level 4 (prototyping) to 6 (pilot scale), the center helps transition innovative prototypes into pilot-scale production for reusable, advanced thermal protection systems.
Hands-On Workforce Development
As a university-based applied research center, MARS plays a pivotal role in workforce development. More than 90% of students involved in its research stay engaged through graduation. Paid competitive wages, these students gain hands-on experience in composite fabrication, thermal testing, systems engineering, and data curation—preparing them for careers in high-demand fields.
WSU graduates with MARS experience are already being recruited by major defense firms and national labs, directly supporting Utah’s goal of retaining top STEM talent while expanding its advanced manufacturing sector.
“We are deeply invested in our students at Weber and committed to providing them with the best possible opportunities,” said Benjamin Garcia, executive director of the MARS Center. “With the MARS Center strategically located near Hill Air Force Base, we’re proud to offer real-world experiences that allow students to explore career pathways while contributing to the future of aerospace, defense, and critical materials.”
State and National Recognition
Earlier this month, Rep. Blake Moore toured the MARS Center to show his support for its groundbreaking work in northern Utah. During his visit, he met with WSU leadership, students, and industry partners to see firsthand how the facility is advancing national defense priorities, driving economic growth, and creating workforce opportunities.
“MARS is helping Utah—and the nation—bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world deployment,” said Guy Letendre, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at 47G Institute. “It’s a launchpad for innovation, workforce development, and long-term economic transformation.”
For more information about the MARS Center, visit its website.
