Programme
Exoplanet and Planetary Science Instrumentation
The Exoplanet and Planetary Science Instrumentation programme delivers major space‑instrument programmes for astronomy and planetary missions. We develop advanced instrumentation for exoplanet characterisation and planetary exploration, supporting the UK scientific community in leading high‑impact, technically demanding missions.
Programme Aims
Our aim is to design, develop and deliver cutting‑edge scientific instruments that enable new discoveries in exoplanet science and planetary exploration. The programme brings together RAL Space’s astronomy and planetary instrumentation expertise, supporting missions that require innovative technologies, complex engineering and end‑to‑end development capabilities.
Our work
We lead and contribute to major international missions by developing advanced instruments for remote sensing, in‑situ analysis and exoplanet characterisation.
Astronomy Instrumentation
We support the development of instruments that provide characterisation of exoplanet atmospheres. Our team is experienced in leading technical and hardware large‑scale instrument developments.
Planetary remote‑sensing instruments
Our teams design remote‑sensing instruments used in planetary exploration.These instruments provide critical measurements to study planetary surfaces, atmospheres and environments.
In-situ planetary measurement technologies
We build scientific processors, algorithms and mission simulators to support data interpretation for environmental sensing, Earth observation and planetary missions.
Case Study
ARIEL Mission
RAL Space leads the 17‑member‑state consortium developing the full payload for ESA’s Ariel mission, which will study the atmospheres of around 1,000 exoplanets. Our teams manage the mission‑level instrument development, drawing on deep expertise in system engineering, large‑scale hardware delivery and complex project coordination. Ariel exemplifies the programme’s role in enabling UK leadership in next‑generation exoplanet science.
