How do you maintain a facility built to achieve the impossible? In this episode, we explore the National Ignition Facility Sustainment Project—an undertaking to ensure that the world’s most energetic laser continues to deliver on its mission. Discover how scientists at the National Ignition Facility keep this technological marvel running, overcoming challenges of aging systems to ensure it remains a cornerstone of innovation and a vital asset to the nation’s security.

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Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series. 

Executive Produced by Lacey Peace and Levi Hanusch.

Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle. 

Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle. 

Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell. 

Narrated by Matthew Powell. 

Video Production by Levi Hanusch. 

Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance): 

• Jean Michel Di Nicola, Co-Program Director for Laser Science and Systems Engineering at NIF, LLNL
• Gordon Brunton, National Ignition Facility Director, LLNL
• Jeff Horner, Project Manager for the NIF Sustainment Project, LLNL
• Larry Pelz, Deputy Group Leader for Laser Science Systems Engineering, LLNL

Brought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.