WSU opens MARS Center at Hill Air Force Base

Weber State University recently opened the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions (MARS) Center, formerly the USTAR Building, thanks to a generous gift from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation.

Students and faculty at the center, located at the Falcon Hill Aerospace Research Park, assist Hill Air Force Base in accomplishing national defense objectives by conducting research and completing engineering projects.

It also provides a space to bring together industry and government partners, and support northern Utah aerospace and defense businesses.

“With the opening of the MARS Center, we’re bringing the university to the forefront of our aerospace ecosystem in northern Utah,” said WSU President Brad Mortensen. “Thanks to a substantial gift from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, this center has the potential to transform our economy and set us up for success in the future.”

Event speaker Elaine Cope BAS ’17 and David Brown use Oculus headsets to play a virtual reality simulation game. Brown represented Weber State’s Center for Technology Outreach at the event.

Interactive displays and information booths from industry partners

Kim R. Wilson, WSU President Brad Mortensen, Gail Miller and President of the Utah State Senate Stuart Adams at the ribbon cutting