Programme
Space Plasma and Exploration
Understanding how the space environment behaves is critical for protecting space‑based infrastructure and enabling future exploration. The Space Plasma and Exploration programme advances plasma physics research and technology to investigate how energy flows through planetary environments. Our work combines scientific leadership with instrument development and mission expertise to understand magnetospheric processes, magnetosphere–ionosphere (M–I) coupling, and the impacts of space weather on satellites and wider infrastructure.
Programme Aims
We aim to lead and support space plasma physics missions while advancing understanding of plasma processes across near‑Earth and planetary environments. Our work focuses on exploiting mission data, coordinating multi‑spacecraft observations, and developing the science that underpins space weather prediction and impact mitigation.
Our work
We combine fundamental research, mission leadership and instrument development to deliver end‑to‑end capability in space plasma science.
Instrument and technology development
We design and deliver instruments for measuring plasma environments in space, including leadership of the Energetic Particle Experiment for future missions such as the Plasma Observatory. Our work also includes ASIC development, payload instrumentation, and radiation monitoring technologies supporting space weather programmes.
Scientific Research
Our research advances understanding of multi‑scale plasma processes using coordinated observations from multiple spacecraft and ground‑based facilities. This includes studies of magnetospheric energisation, solar wind interactions and magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling across a range of space environments.
Data products
We develop advanced data products and analysis tools that translate complex plasma measurements into usable insights. This includes space weather indices and tools derived from coordinated mission datasets to support both scientific discovery and operational applications.
Case study highlight
Blue sky research shaping exploration on Mars
RAL Space scientists are exploring how to generate an artificial magnetosphere around Mars, applying plasma physics to enable future human exploration. Their research proposes charged particle rings driven by orbital systems, advancing understanding of planetary magnetospheres while demonstrating how space plasma science could be used to protect atmospheres and sustain long-term missions.
