Raytheon Developing Microscopic Bomb Detector
November 12, 2019 | Raytheon CompanyEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Raytheon is using synthetic biology science to create a new method for detecting buried explosives, using bacteria as sensors. Under a contract from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Raytheon and partner Worcester Polytechnic Institute will program two bacterial strains to monitor ground surfaces for explosive materials.
The first strain will detect the presence or absence of explosives buried underground. If the first strain detects explosives, the second strain will produce a glowing light on the ground's surface. Remote cameras or unmanned aerial vehicles can then be used to survey large areas for the telltale luminescence.
"We already know that some bacteria can be programmed to be very good at detecting explosives, but it's harder underground," said Allison Taggart, Ph.D. and principal investigator for the Bio Reporters for Subterranean Surveillance program at Raytheon BBN Technologies. "We're investigating how to transport the reporting bacteria to the required depth underground, and then pushing the luminescence up to the surface so it's easily visible."
Synthetic biology combines principles of electrical engineering with computer science to modify DNA. The Subterranean Surveillance program is one example in which advances in synthetic biology are being used to develop sensors that can reveal a variety of subterranean phenomena at a distance.
"Using bio sensors underground could help us save lives as well as detect threats to air quality and the water supply," Taggart added. "The modular design of the system we're developing will allow us to swap in different components as needed to detect various kinds of threats and contaminants."
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2018 sales of $27 billion and 67,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 97 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Suggested Items
The Knowledge Base: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow With EMAC
06/24/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAs the electronics manufacturing industry races to meet rising global demand and technological complexity, the need for a highly skilled, future-ready workforce has never been greater. At the forefront of addressing this challenge is The Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC)—a national initiative dedicated to strengthening the talent pipeline through strategic collaboration with SMTA, education, and government stakeholders.
MVTec, Siemens Expand Technological Cooperation
06/12/2025 | MVTecMVTec Software GmbH and Siemens are expanding their technological cooperation in the field of industrial automation. To reinforce their increasingly close collaboration, Siemens joined the MVTec Technology Partner Program in May 2025.
RTX's Raytheon Awarded $646M Hardware Production and Sustainment Contract for SPY-6 Family of Radars
06/10/2025 | RTXRaytheon, an RTX business, was awarded a $646 million contract to continue producing AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the U.S. Navy. This is the fourth option exercised from the March 2022 hardware, production and sustainment contract that is valued up to $3 billion over five years.
Tesollo Selected for NVIDIA Inception Program
06/02/2025 | TesolloRobotics and solutions development company Tesollo Inc. announced that it has been officially selected as a member of NVIDIA’s Inception Program.
Rolls-Royce to Provide Power, Handling System for Canadian River-class Destroyers
06/02/2025 | Rolls-RoyceRolls-Royce has reached agreement on a significant scope of work to support Batch One of the River-class destroyer (RCD) program for the Royal Canadian Navy.