Instrumentation & Observational Methods


Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation

Our research activities include hardware and real-time firmware development, instrument calibration and operation, system and subsystem engineering, data analysis and modeling, and cover a wide range of phenomena from atmospheric dynamics and chemistry to the electromagnetic variations associated with ionospheric processes. Learn More

Space Missions and Instrumentation

Together with the Space Physics Research Laboratory, we develop space instruments and missions as well as small (cubesat) satellite missions to study atmospheric, ionospheric, magnetospheric, solar and heliospheric phenomena. We are or have been involved in over 30 space instruments and missions, many still operative or upcoming. Learn More

Radiative Transfer & Remote Sensing Instrumentation

Our research addresses testing modeled climate feedbacks using satellite and GPS radio data, comparisons of radiative fluxes and cloud radiative forcings with satellite data and Atmospheric General Circulation Models, and radiative effects of ice clouds on atmospheric transport processes at Earth and other planetary systems. Learn More

Space Physics Research Laboratory

The Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) designs, constructs, tests, operates and analyzes data from space flight instruments. Now operating as an independent entity under the College of Engineering, SPRL has built more than 30 space instruments, instrumented numerous sounding rockets, balloons and aircraft, and developed ground-based instruments. Learn More