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Space science and exploration

Driven by the curiosity to expand the boundaries of knowledge, our space exploration UK activities uncover the secrets of our Universe while inspiring innovations that benefit life on Earth. By studying moons, planets, stars, and the wider cosmos, we advance technology, generate new scientific insights, and push beyond known limits. This work strengthens the impact of UK space exploration missions and expands understanding of our solar system and beyond.

It also delivers tangible benefits, from improved technologies to breakthroughs in energy, healthcare, and sustainability.

Miri-Image-Credit---Credit-NASA,-ESA,-CSA,-and-STScI

Miri Image Credit-NASA, ESA, CSA and STScI

What we do

Supporting transformative discoveries in astrophysics and planetary science – helping shape global understanding of the Universe while building new capabilities for future exploration.

Through our work in space science and exploration we aim to:

  • Be a world-class centre of excellence in space science and exploration research and
    projects, spearheading and supporting the wider UK research community.
  • Protect a strong scientific research team across our key disciplines, retain in-house critical technologies and capabilities, and develop new generations of space-based and ground-based instrumentation.
  • Support the delivery of missions to enhance understanding of the formation of exoplanets and planetary systems.
  • Deliver scientific analytical instrumentation to the surfaces of both the Moon and Mars.
Paul Eccleston standing and smiling

Our space science and exploration lead

Paul Eccleston,
Space Science and Exploration Theme Lead at RAL Space

Paul leads RAL Space’s Space Science and Exploration theme and manages the Ariel mission UK consortium, spanning 60+ institutes across 19 countries. Formerly RAL Space Chief Engineer, he guided major instrument projects for Solar Orbiter and played a key role in the James Webb Space Telescope UK contribution, helping deliver advanced instrumentation that now powers some of the mission’s most important discoveries.

Learn more

How we deliver this work

We deliver work in Space Science and Exploration through programmes and projects dedicated to advancing our knowledge of space and planetary bodies. From low‑TRL innovation through instrument development and pre‑launch testing, to operational deployment, data processing and exploitation – our work supports collaborators to push the boundaries of space exploration.

Satellite orbiting with sun in background
Programme

Space Plasma and Exploration

Supporting scientific research and instrument development of multi-scale magnetispheric processes and M-I coupling through data exploitation.
Close-up image of the WEAVE field fibres.
Programme

Ground-Based Astronomical Instrumentation

Developing ground-based optical and NIR instrumentation for the study of evolution of stars in the local and distant Universe.
An illustration of 4 satellites above earth
Programme

Heliospheric Physics

Development, operation and scientific use of visible‑light imaging instruments that observe the solar wind, outer corona and inner heliosphere.
Image of andromeda
Programme

Astrophysics

Driving the development of ground based and space-borne astronomy facilities carrying out research in areas ranging from exoplanets to cosmology.
MIRI image
Programme

Exoplanet & Planetary Science Instrumentation

Delivery of major instrument programs in astronomy instruments (with focus on those related to exoplanets) and planetary science instrumentation.
Programme

Solar Physics

Leadership in space‑based solar spectroscopy, delivering high‑quality observations of the Sun’s corona and enabling international research into solar atmospheric processes
Artist's impression of the satellite Cluster flying into Earth's atmosphere.
Programme

Space Data, Operations and Archiving

Providing the design, development and operation of data handling systems and long-term curation of results from space science missions.
Man sitting at a bench looking at an electronics box
Programme

Camera Systems

Developing next-generation CCD camera electronics and image sensors to support the study of planetary bodies, Earth observation and space weather activities.

Work with us

If you’re interested in working with us on a Space Science and Exploration project, get in touch with our teams.

Contact
Team member