Trusted Science. Mission Ready.
Founded in 1948, LASP is a long-standing partner in space exploration. With a 100% science return rate on SmallSat programs, LASP combines reliability with innovation in complex mission environments. As a university-based institute, LASP operates at the intersection of fundamental research and applied mission development—integrating scientific inquiry, engineering expertise, and hands-on training to deliver missions that advance knowledge while providing real-world capability.
From early concept development through AI&T, launch, operations, and data analysis, LASP offers full-cycle, in-house mission support. This integrated model enables close coordination, technical continuity, and the flexibility to contribute at any stage of a mission. At the same time, LASP’s collaborative approach embeds students in mission teams alongside experienced professionals, strengthening mission outcomes while building long-term workforce capability for partners around the world.
Space Weather & Environmental Monitoring
LASP brings decades of leadership in heliophysics, space weather research, and atmospheric dynamics. By combining flight-proven instrumentation with scientific expertise and cutting-edge modeling, LASP enables the science community to better understand and forecast solar activity and its effects on our planet.
Dust & Planetary Environments
Through the IMPACT lab and its science team, LASP investigates the role of charged dust across planetary systems. This work connects laboratory research, suborbital platforms, and flight missions to address fundamental questions about planetary formation and evolution.
Planetary Exploration Across the Solar System
From the Moon and Mars to the outer planets, LASP contributes to missions that remotely probe planetary atmospheres, surface processes, and habitability. Our approach links scientific objectives with instrument development and mission operations to support exploration at multiple scales.
SmallSat Capability & Mission Innovation
LASP’s SmallSat program builds on a heritage of suborbital experimentation, delivering reliable, science-focused missions across multiple disciplines. These platforms provide opportunities for rapid development, targeted investigations, and workforce training, enabled by expertise in VLEO operations.
A Partner in Exploration and Innovation
As a not-for-profit institute, LASP emphasizes collaboration over competition. We partner with government, industry, and academic partners to complement existing capabilities, reduce risk, and support mission success through shared expertise.
Let’s explore what’s possible—together.
