Today, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency announced a new geospatial technology lab to open at the T-REX innovation center  in downtown St. Louis. The NGA lab, in collaboration with T-REX, a non-profit development facility for innovation and entrepreneurism, will advance efforts between NGA, industry and academia in the region.

“We will deliver trusted GEOINT with the speed, accuracy, and precision required to hold at risk the strategic forces our adversaries use to project power and threaten the United States and our Allies,” said NGA Director Vice Adm. Robert Sharp in his recently released Director’s Intent.

Sharp drew inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s bold “moonshot” assertion in September 1962. NGA predecessor organizations mapped the moon in support of the Apollo missions in the 1960s. The labs will support the NGA moonshot, while enhancing the region’s technology ecosystem.

Moonshot Labs will be a modern, high-tech space specializing in geospatial technology. The lab will consist of software developers, technologists and data science personnel. Construction will begin soon, with an anticipated completion date of spring 2021.