Why Michigan for Climate & Space?

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Our educational programs provide a strong scientific foundation in atmospheric and climate physics and chemistry, as well as on the interactions with both the surface (biosphere, oceans, cryosphere) and upper atmosphere (thermosphere and ionosphere). Space science builds on plasma physics describing dynamics of charged particles, and ties it to atmospheric and surface science of planets, their moons, asteroids and comets. Engineering education teaches solutions to making measurements in the space environment, technologies to build small – and large – spacecraft and competences to plan space missions or manage complex projects.

Big research

The faculty within CLASP conduct research in areas encompassing:

• atmospheric and climate sciences,
• ionospheric and magnetospheric sciences,
• planetary sciences, and
• solar and heliospheric sciences.

Research methodologies include space, airborne and ground-based measurements, as well as the use of advanced machine learning and other computational modeling technologies. Below are just a few examples of our projects, where students play a major role.

Climate & Space is one of the few places in which students can participate in world-class engineering work on NASA space missions. Our researchers lead space-based Earth science missions; develop space weather modeling used not only for research and education, but also for NOAA operational space weather forecasts; and reach out to study the environments of planets in the outer Solar System and beyond.

Small community

The department has a small-town feel with activities concentrated in the Climate and Space Research Building on the University’s North Campus. The relatively small class size means that students get hands-on experience in the classroom, and many work with faculty on their research projects. For student experiences, see our Team Spotlights.