Lincoln Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center that conducts research and development in technology areas relevant to national security. The laboratory is operated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is located in Lexington, Massachusetts. Lincoln Laboratory's research areas include air and missile defense, cyber security, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, communications and information technology, and advanced electronics. The laboratory was founded in 1951 and has been responsible for many technological innovations, including the development of the first air traffic control system and the first satellite navigation system. The laboratory has a staff of over 3,000 employees, including scientists, engineers, and support staff.