Science Areas of Expertise

Developing new observational strategies and analytical techniques to help unravel the mysteries of the stars, galaxy and universe.

Providing the expertise, software and visualization tools to ensure a mission is successful, from design and conceptualization to data extraction and analysis.

Conducting groundbreaking research and modeling to track cloud structure, air pollution, climate change and the health of Earth’s plants and oceans

Studying the composition, dynamics and chemistry of bodies in the solar system and beyond to explore planet formation, evolution and habitability

Understanding the state of the upper atmosphere —the ionosphere and thermosphere—and its response to solar and geomagnetic drivers through modeling and measurements

Expanding our knowledge of the Moon’s formation and evolution through new measurements and models of its geology, structure and volatile molecules and providing the knowledge to enable human exploration of the Moon.

Uncovering the physical processes that drive the space environment around planets and their moons

With an asteroid collision always possible, APL is leveraging its capabilities and expertise to build the tools and collect the knowledge to defend Earth

Probing the bodies of the solar system — from asteroids and comets to moons and planets — through particle detectors, spectrometers, imagers, novel spacecraft and cutting-edge research

Leading trailblazing research on the Sun, its atmosphere, interplanetary space, and the outer edge of our protective heliosphere

Understanding and predicting the Sun's flares and mass ejections, which can halt Earth's technosphere and harm astronauts