Coronavirus Information
The Kuiper Space Sciences building is staffed from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday. Until further notice, offices in the Sonett and Drake buildings are closed to the public. You can reach us at 520-621-6963.
Dr. Heather Knutson Named Showman Distinguished Visiting Lecturer
Near-Earth Asteroid Might be a Lost Fragment of the Moon
Researchers Trace Dust Grain's Journey Through Newborn Solar System
Upcoming Events
Statement on Diversity
Science can succeed only if there is diversity—diversity of ideas, of perspectives, and of individuals. We at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) value diversity in all of its forms. LPL strives to address inherent problems that exist within planetary science, and academia in general. LPL is at the forefront of planetary and space sciences, and as such must stand as an ally to and in solidarity with its community members regardless of race, national origin, immigration status, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, intellectual and physical ability, income, faith and non-faith perspectives, socio-economic class, political ideology, education, primary language, family status, military experience, cognitive style, and communication style, and with all people who intersect these groups. We strongly believe that the science and knowledge we pursue every day is a human pursuit strengthened through the participation of these historically minoritized groups.
For more information on the DLC and its members, visit the Department Life Committee page.
Asteroid Surveys
LPL is home to two programs dedicated to scanning the sky for near-Earth objects, including potentially hazardous asteroids: Catalina Sky Survey and SPACEWATCH®
Space Situational Awareness
Orbital space around our Earth is congested, contested and competitive. Our research group is actively working to ensure sustainable management of this valuable resource for future generations.
Planetary Astronomy
The planets of the solar system, along with their satellite systems, are our only accessible example of the end state...
Small Bodies
LPL scientists study asteroids, comets, and meteorites using groundbased observations, spacecraft missions, and modeling techniques.
HiRISE (MRO)
HiRISE, the high resolution imaging science experiment onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, is the most powerful camera ever sent to another planet.
OSIRIS-REx
LPL is home to the OSIRIS-REx mission, which made history for NASA when it tagged the surface of asteroid Bennu for 4.7 seconds, triggering a flush of nitrogen gas and collecting the largest sample of extraterrestrial material since the Apollo moon landings.
Hera
Hera is the European contribution to an international double-spacecraft collaboration. NASA will first perform a kinetic impact on the smaller of the two bodies, then Hera will follow-up with a detailed post-impact survey that will turn this grand-scale experiment into a well-understood and repeatable planetary defence technique.
Mars 2020
The Mars 2020 mission addresses high-priority science goals for Mars exploration, including key questions about the potential for life on Mars.
Public Education and Outreach
Faculty, staff, and students engage with diverse communities.

HiRISE

Arizona/NASA Space Grant


