SSL at a glance
UC Berkeley Space Science Lab pursues and executes high-impact space science and astronomy. We pair cutting-edge, agile engineering and efficient flight operations with education and mentorship for the next generation.
One of only two university-based institutions in the U.S. capable of executing the full NASA mission lifecycle, SSL has led the way in designing, building and operating high-return, low-cost space missions.
Lead high-impact science
We pursue and execute diverse space science and astronomy projects, from near-Earth to distant worlds.
Build to fly (end-to-end)
We design, build, integrate, test, and operate complete spacecraft and science instruments in-house.
Train the next generation
SSL is a supportive, collaborative environment where scientists, engineers, and staff grow through real missions and mentorship.
1959
Founded
Leading the way in designing, building and operating high-return, low-cost NASA missions
6+
LEAD Principal Investigators
On NASA Explorer Missions
100+
Satellite Projects
Including Apollo 15 & 16, SkyLab, Hubble, COBE, IMAGE, RHESSI, NuSTAR, ICON and PSP
3000+
Educators
Trained
Featured work
News & Events
Latest News
Berkeley’s management of UVEX mission leans on decades of ultraviolet expertise at SSL
NASA’s UltraViolet Explorer (UVEX), a mission to chart the ultraviolet sky, just cleared a key hurdle on its journey to space. After reviewing mission designs, NASA signed a commitment to support baseline costs and a tentative launch date in 2030.
SSL and U-M scientists confirm radiation belt around Mercury
Scientists with the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) and the University of Michigan College of Engineering (U-M Engineering)… showed that Mercury does in fact have an intermittent radiation belt that accumulates and fades in tandem with the solar wind.
Decagon wave emerges near Saturn’s south pole
In a paper published today… scientists from the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL)… described tracking the gradual emergence of the ten-sided jet stream wave by examining Hubble Space Telescope images going back to 2023.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, Nov 3 · 1:00 PM
We are excited to invite you to the Space Physics Seminars at 325 Physics South Hall! This talk will be given in-person only, by Samuel Walton from UC Berkeley, Space…
Work with SSL
Partner with us
Bring a mission concept, instrument need, or research collaboration. We will connect you with the right SSL experts based on your goals and technical scope.
Join our lab
Explore pathways for students and scholars, including fellowships and openings when available.