Mission Research
LPL scientists have played important roles on spacecraft instrument and mission teams since our founding in 1960.
In the 2021 ranking by U.S. News & World Report, LPL and the UArizona were tied for No. 11 overall (No. 8 in the U.S and No. 3 among public universities) in space science research, based on our strong research reputation and publication frequency.
The 2019 NSF Higher Education Research and Development survey ranks the UA, led by LPL and Steward Observatory, #1 among all universities in space science research and development expenditures.
Missions
IBEX
Interstellar Boundary Explorer
IMAGE
Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration
IMAP
Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe
Juno
Juno: Unlocking Jupiter's Mysteries
KPLO
Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter
LCROSS
Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite
Mars Pathfinder
Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP)
Mars Polar Lander
MAVEN
Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution
NEO Surveyor
Near-Earth Object Surveyor Mission
NEOWISE
Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer
