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LASP: SmallSats and the New Age of Cosmic Exploration

Thanks to small satellites, astrophysicists no longer need major observatories to dive into the mysteries of the cosmos and inspire millions worldwide. SmallSats now offer reliable scientific data without the need for flagship-sized telescopes—or their budgets.

LASP is a leader in the SmallSat revolution, and thanks to decades of work improving and miniaturizing hardware, as well as our innovative, agile approach to SmallSat production, we can help our partners conduct significant cosmic research at a fraction of a flagship’s cost and timeline. LASP has industry-leading reliability, achieving a remarkable 100% science return on our SmallSat missions.

With expertise in SmallSat hardware design and testing, software, and flight operations, LASP is at the cutting edge of delivering big science on a small budget. In recognition of our work to advance global collaboration through small satellites, the international Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) designated LASP as its first CubeSat Technology Center of Excellence in 2024.

As a mission partner, LASP can execute your mission from concept to discovery or support any step in between. With in-house scientists, engineers, program management, mission operators, and data specialists, we can help turn a mission idea into an on-orbit reality.

As a research institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, LASP meaningfully involves students in every step of scientific discovery. The next generation of the space industry is integrated into every step of mission conceptualization, development, production, operation, and research.

A legacy in astrophysics

Since its founding in 1948, LASP has been exploring the Universe near and far. With expertise in astrophysics, heliophysics, space physics, and planetary and Earth science, we have played significant roles in the 21st century’s key astrophysics advancements from mission conceptualization to discovery.

LASP operated the Kepler Space Telescope, which discovered that exoplanets are ubiquitous in our galaxy. The IXPE mission, which LASP is currently operating, is investigating the universe’s extremes and pushing the boundaries of the orbits in which astrophysical observations can be made. LASP has also launched numerous groundbreaking astrophysical SmallSats and sounding rockets that are testing technologies and collecting next-generation data on shorter timelines and smaller budgets.