Mission Research
LPL scientists have played important roles on spacecraft instrument and mission teams since our founding in 1960.
In the June 2026 ranking by U.S. News & World Report (list of best global universities for space science), University of Arizona, led by research and publications from LPL and Steward Observatory, ranked No. 3 overall (No. 3 in the U.S and No. 1 among public universities) in space science research, based on our strong research reputation and publication frequency.
The 2024 NSF Higher Education Research and Development survey ranks U of A, led by LPL and Steward Observatory, #2 among all universities in space science research and development expenditures.
