The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is a research and development agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military. Originally known as the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), the agency was created on February 7, 1958, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in response to the Soviets' launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957. By collaborating with academia, industry, and government partners, DARPA formulates and executes research and development projects to expand the frontiers of technology and science, often beyond immediate U.S. military requirements. The name of the organization was first changed from its founding name, ARPA, to DARPA, in March 1972, changing back to ARPA in February 1993, then reverted back to DARPA in March 1996.
- Country
- United States
- Headquarters
- Arlington County
- Inception
- 1958
- Website
- http://www.darpa.mil/
