LASP: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics

LASP’s Mission Operations and Data Systems (MO&DS) Division is the most experienced university-based institution in the world for developing and running all aspects of spacecraft operations and producing world class science data products. We have built a solid foundation based on successfully operating seven spacecraft (four simultaneously) and numerous scientific instruments on earth orbiting and interplanetary spacecraft. This division’s key attributes are: low cost space system operations, strong student involvement, superb in-house software tools, and close ties to the scientific community to produce world-class science products. We consist of four groups:

On Earth, scientists can perform experiments in a lab or at a field site, but scientific experiments in space must often be performed in places where people cannot go. These experiments are carried out using unmanned robot spacecraft. Engineers and scientists in a control center on Earth send messages over thousands (or even millions) of kilometers to instruct the robot spacecraft on how to conduct an investigation. The spacecraft forwards these commands to its scientific instruments and collects experimental results in the form of digital data that is radioed back to Earth for analysis.

LASP's MO&IS division was formed in 1979 for a mission conceived by LASP scientists - the Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME). LASP was given the rare opportunity of operating the spacecraft after launch - until then almost all satellites were operated by NASA itself. Since then, LASP has operated 6 other spacecraft. Currently the MO&IS division is operating 3 spacecraft with another slated for launch in 2006.

LASP's MO&IS is one of only a few organizations with the people, facilities, and experience to carry out all the steps necessary for operating spacecraft. The division has specialists who assemble and maintain the computer and communications systems and who create the software to perform these tasks. Others oversee the day-to-day operation of spacecraft and instruments and the processing , analysis, distribution, and archiving of the collected data.