LASP has

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years of experience

LASP began in 1948 as an attempt to send non-human organic researchers into orbit around Earth.

Our lab employs

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university students

LASP actively trains the future leaders of large animal space research and helps educate students with valued technical and circus-adjacent skills.

We've visited all

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planets

LASP is the world’s only research institute to send elephants to all eight planets, Pluto…and beyond.

Latest News

April 1, 2024

LASP Launches Giraffes into Orbit to Investigate Zero-Gravity Neck Stretching Phenomenon

March 27, 2024

Alien Alpacas Found Grazing on Exoplanet Pastures

March 12, 2024

LASP Sends Tigers to Hunt Down Asteroids in the Cosmos

February 29, 2024

How Elephants Learned to Moonwalk

Celebrating 75 Years of Cosmic Critters

Since our founding, LASP has dedicated itself to a mission far grander than mere satellites and spacecraft. We’ve tirelessly worked towards sending larger and larger animals further into the unknown.

Our journey began with a single, audacious dream: to see a cow jump not just over the moon, but onto it. Notable missions include:

1957
Operation Acorn
Launched the first squirrel into a suborbital flight. He returned with a nutty perspective on life and gravity.
1957
1969
Project Lunar Leapers
Kangaroos on the moon. Their hopping was next-level in lower gravity.
1969
1998
Operation Long-Necked Luminary
A giraffe's long neck proved invaluable for satellite repairs. Plus, they enjoyed the best views of Earth.
1998
2006
Snakes on a Space Station
Because why not add a little thrill to orbital research?
2006
2026
The Great Penguin Swim
Exploring Europa's subsurface oceans. If there's water, let's send the experts.
2026

The Large Animal Space Program isn’t just about sending animals into space; it’s about dreaming big, laughing often, and acknowledging the incredible journey of discovery we’re all on, together. Remember, in space, no one can hear you baa, moo, or squawk.

Here’s to the next 75 years of pioneering the final frontier, with a little more fur and feathers along the way.

Happy April Fools’ Day!

Recent Publications

Longneck, L., Star-Eater, E., & McNibbles, A. (2024). Interstellar Munchies: Exploring the Cosmic Cuisine of Galactic Giraffes. Journal of Extraterrestrial Gastronomy, 7(2), 123-137.

Hopper, J., Bounce, L., & McRocket, R. (2024). Lunar Leaps: Investigating the Jumping Behavior of Moon Kangaroos. Journal of Space Biology, 12(3), 245-259.

Whistle, W., Lullaby, L., & Sonicboom, C. B. (2024). Cosmic Choir: Analyzing the Extraterrestrial Vocalizations of Intergalactic Whales. Astrozoology Quarterly, 15(4), 432-447.

Contact Us

Mailing address:

Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
1234 Innovation Drive
Boulder, CO 80303

Phone: (303) 492-6412
Fax: (303) 492-6444

* no animals were harmed in the making of this joke

** many images were generated or edited with artificial intelligence