UCL Department of Space & Climate Physics
We are pushing forward the boundaries of space science research. Collaborating with top engineers, our scientists and research students are building and testing instruments for space, including many that are helping to explore planets, comets and the wider solar system on major space missions.
Over 300 space missions
MSSL hardware has been on over 300 space missions since 1957 and been placed in orbit around Earth, Mars, Venus, Saturn as well as visiting comets passing through the solar system.
View our space missions
Unravelling the Universe
Learn more about the work we’re doing to investigate physical processes in the solar system and wider Universe, and to develop instruments to support the next generation of space missions.
Building for space
We design and build cutting edge technology to study space, from flight instruments that gather data, to advanced space telescopes.
Study with us
Browse our diverse programme portfolio, and see how far a UCL space and climate physics qualification could take you.
Observe - Explore - Inspire
Space Missions
Space instruments designed, built and tested at MSSL are key parts of a number of international missions.
Find out moreDepartment news:
Ernest Rutherford Fellowship application process at MSSL now open for 2026!
The deadline for preliminary applications for an Ernest Rutherford Fellowship at MSSL is 16.00 on Thursday 2 July 2026.
08 Jun 2026
Coal pollution is cutting solar power output
Pollution from coal-fired power plants is significantly reducing the energy output of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) installations, particularly where these are expanding side by side, according to new
16 May 2026
Saturn’s magnetic bubble is lopsided compared to Earth’s
Saturn's magnetic shield is asymmetrical compared to Earth’s, suggests a new study involving UCL researchers, and this is likely a result of its fast rotation and the heavy material it pulls round it
17 Apr 2026
Register: Postgraduate study
Get updates on our postgraduate degrees, plus invites to open days, taster sessions, and more.
Register