LEADING RESEARCH
UCL's Department of Space and Climate Physics, (Mullard Space Science Laboratory - MSSL), is a world-leading research organisation and is the UK's largest university-based space research group.
MSSL delivers a broad, cutting-edge science programme, underpinned by a strong capability in space science instrumentation, space-domain engineering, systems engineering and project management.
Our scientific research ranges from cosmology and the study of extra-galactic objects, to studies of the Sun, the planets and their moons, and the Earth. We also research and develop the next generation of space instrumentation. Our research is supported through UK research councils, the UK Space Agency, European and other grants and contracts.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE
As a department of UCL, members of staff are actively involved in teaching both undergraduates and post-graduates. Our post-graduate education programme consists of taught courses, leading to an M.Sc., and research degrees, leading to an M.Phil or Ph.D.
Students studying at MSSL become active members of their research groups and wider research communities. Research projects in our taught courses give students the opportunity to be involved in the development of new space hardware and future missions.
The research undertaken at MSSL drives an active outreach programme. Scientists and engineers are happy to talk about their work and run activities for groups of all ages and interests.
DELIVERING TECHNOLOGY
MSSL has a long heritage of providing high-quality space instrumentation for international space research missions. In our >40 year history we have been involved in more than 35 scientific space missions and over 200 rocket launches.
MSSL develops and tests hardware and software, usually as part of an international consortium. Our engineers work along side scientists to ensure that the instruments we produce optimally address key questions in modern space science. Post-launch support that is linked to pre-flight and flight calibrations enables scientists to understand the responses of the instrument, greatly benefitting the analysis of the data.
Engineers and project support staff make up around half the staff and students at MSSL.
SUPPORTING INDUSTRY
As a builder of scientific instruments, MSSL has developed expertise and facilities for manufacturing and testing of space hardware. We make these facilities and expertise available for industrial contracts.
Through UCL Centre for Systems Engineering (UCLse), we offer a range of industrial training courses in areas including systems engineering, project management, risk management and system design, and conduct consultancy projects for industry in systems engineering and technology management.
WELCOME TO MSSL
UCL was one of the first universities in the world to become involved in making scientific observations in space. Since MSSL was established in 1966, we have participated in more than 35 satellite missions and over 200 rocket experiments.
Our groups of research scientists and development engineers work together to ensure that the instruments we produce are as relevant and competitive as possible. The subsequent data analysis and scientific interpretation of data benefits from the fundamental understanding of the instruments gained from their development and testing.
MSSL and its location have a rich heritage that can be explored further on this site.
MSSL News
Prof. Andrew Fazakerley awarded RAS Chapman Medal
Prof. Andrew Fazakerley has been awarded this year's RAS Chapman Medal in recognition of his work as the Principal Investigator of the PEACE instruments on the Cluster and Double Star missions. More...
Published: Jan 17, 2012 2:04:13 PM
MSSL student experiment selected for international rocket launch
An experiment designed by MSSL students has been selected to be part of the payload onboard a REXUS sounding rocket launch to be launched in 2013. The REXUS programme gives students the chance to design and fly an experiment on a sounding rocket launched from ESRANGE in Kiruna. These rockets carry their payload up to 100 km above northern Scandanacia. Students from around Europe can submit proposals to fly experiments through the European Space Agency (ESA). This year, a team of students from around the UK were accepted to fly PoleCATS, an electron detector based on the work of PhD student Robert Bedington. More...
Published: Jan 5, 2012 9:26:39 AM
MSSL opens an office in Adelaide, South Australia
MSSL has today opened its first office outside of the UK at UCL's campus, Victoria Square, Adelaide. MSSL's Director, Professor Alan Smith was there to be part of the opening and also to be present at UCL's first ever degree ceremony abroad. The MSSL presence will augment the existing UCL School of Energy and Resources (whose students graduated) and the UCL International Energy Policy Institute. MSSL in Australia will focus on both providing engineering management training and education and also work with Australian industry and academia in the development of technology both for space and terrestrial applications. More...
Published: Dec 6, 2011 12:00:00 AM
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