Explore Planetary and
Solar Systems Science at LPL
Welcome to the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
Pass the Salt: This Space Rock Holds Clues as to How Earth Got Its Water
The discovery of tiny salt grains in an asteroid sample brought to Earth by the Japanese Hayabusa spacecraft provides strong evidence that liquid water may be more common in the solar system's largest asteroid population than previously thought.
Tucson-born Asteroid Mission Keeps Flying
The moment the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft released the capsule filled with rocks and dust from asteroid Bennu, Daniella DellaGiustina, assistant professor at Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, assumed command of the robotic probe.
Student-built Satellite Uses 'Beach Ball' for an Antenna
CatSat is a small satellite carrying a new communications concept – an inflatable antenna – into space. The project provides a rare opportunity for students at the University of Arizona to get hands-on experience with spaceflight technology.
Research Focus Areas
Pursuing interdisciplinary research spanning the breadth and depth of planetary science.
Spacecraft Missions and Instrumentation
Exploring the Universe as investigators on spacecraft mission and instrumentation teams.
Discover Planetary Sciences
Earn a Ph.D. with a major in Planetary Sciences.
Graduate Program
The Department of Planetary Sciences offers multidisciplinary programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in planetary sciences.
Undergraduate Program
The Department of Planetary Sciences offers an undergraduate minor in Planetary Sciences.
Astrobiology Minor
Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field that combines astronomy, geology, biology and chemistry.
Public Education and Outreach
Faculty, staff, and students engage with diverse communities.
Space Drafts
Space Drafts is Tucson’s flavor of Astronomy on Tap. Talks are held one Wednesday of every month at one of Tucson’s finest microbreweries, The Borderlands Brewing Company. Space Drafts is free and open to all ages (of humans and dogs alike).
The Art of Planetary Science (TAPS)
The Art of Planetary Science is an annual art exhibition run by UA's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory that celebrates the beauty and elegance of science.
Arizona/NASA Space Grant
Arizona/NASA Space Grant Consortium, headquartered at LPL, contributes to the nation's science enterprise by implementing research, education and public service