LASP is a research institute within the University of Colorado whose primary focus is in four major areas: planetary physics, atmospheric science, solar terrestrial physics and space physics. LASP is one of only a few institutions capable of implementing entire space missions, including design, fabrication, and operations of both individual instruments as well as entire spacecraft, particularly with significant student involvement. The areas of emphasis include UV and EUV observations of planetary atmospheres, monitoring the sun and solar corona, observations of planetary rings, and development of UV and EUV instrumentation.