Northern Lights and Rocket Flights

My Years at Poker Flat Research Range

By: Neal Brown

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eText | 17 July 2026

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Neal Brown dedicated over four decades to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute and inspired countless individuals with his passion for discovery and education. Born in 1938, Neal's journey led him from early work with NASA to becoming a beloved figure in Alaska science education. His fascination with the aurora borealis drew him to Fairbanks in the mid-1960s. This marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to understanding the aurora, Earth's atmosphere, and space.

Poker Flat Research Range is the only university-owned rocket range in the world and is a premier facility for launching sounding rockets for scientific research. Neal served as the director for 18 years, overseeing numerous rocket launches and other research projects, and enormous improvements in the infrastructure there. Later, he led the Alaska Space Grant Program, promoting education and research in aerospace and earth sciences across the state.

"What we had were a bunch of experienced hooligans with Alaska homesteader personalities who had a hunch they could do it better and cheaper than "those NASA guys"" (Neal Brown)