The ability to combine world-class experimental, laboratory, theoretical and information systems approaches, and to involve students in all aspects of these endeavors, is a key strength of LASP. These unique abilities put the Laboratory into the top tier of University space research groups in the country and the world. The combination of qualities allows LASP to contribute in unique ways to the University academic environment.

LASP, at the University of Colorado, was born in 1948 as the Upper Atmosphere Lab (UAL) along with a handful of other American universities and the military to initiate the era of space exploration. The first experiments in space were lofted by sub-orbital rockets. The challenge: these first rocket flights required a stabilized platform for cameras and other experiments. With support from the Naval Research Center and the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory (now the Phillips Laboratory), the University of Colorado formed the Upper Atmosphere Lab to help solve this problem. Their solution - called biaxial pointing platform - cleared the way for some of the first major scientific discoveries made in space.

Researchers and engineers from the UAL flew experiments into space on over 50 rocket flights before Sputnik. By 1965, the UAL had grown substantially. Along with this growth came a new building on campus and a new name: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.

It has really only been in the 20th century - and primarily the last 40 years - that scientists have arrived at the relatively clear picture of solar activity and its effect on the Earth. We are now exploring mysteries close to home, in our own Earth's atmosphere. Human beings are measuring phenomenon in the sky and sending spacecraft, both manned and unmanned, into space, seeking the answers to our questions.

This is LASP's goal: to make discoveries through the research and technology efforts of our atmospheric, space physics, solar, planetary, engineering, and mission ops divisions.

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“The vision of LASP is to achieve world-leadership status in identifying and addressing key questions in planetary, atmospheric, solar influences, and space sciences. We seek to maintain and improve continuously our capability to pursue these questions using experimental, laboratory, theoretical, and information systems approaches. We are dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through our projects, we participate strongly in the training of the future leaders of space research and we help the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. The progressive development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives will help ensure a strong leadership role for LASP through the 21st century.”

University of Colorado at Boulder