Planets Space

Exploring Space, Advancing Science, Powering Missions

The Solar System Science & Exploration Division of Southwest Research Institute pushes the boundaries of space exploration, solar physics, and mission operations. Our experts lead groundbreaking research, develop cutting-edge instruments, and operate space missions that expand our understanding of the universe.

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Mission Leadership

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Cutting-edge Research

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Technological Innovation

About SwRI’s Solar System Science & Exploration Division

The Solar System Science Exploration Division’s goals are to achieve excellence in space research and to expand and deepen SwRI’s space research efforts. Our division is located in downtown Boulder Colorado with over 120 employees.

About Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

Southwest Research Institute base in San Antonio, Texas, is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical science research and development organization with over 3000 employees.

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Our Departments

SwRI Boulder offers collaborative research, mission leadership, and technology innovation at the forefront of space science.

Sun

Department of Solar & Heliospheric Physics

Unlocking the mysteries of the Sun and its influence on the solar system.

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Space-based solar instruments

UV, X-ray, and magnetography

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Solar wind & coronal imaging

PUNCH, Solar Orbiter, and eclipse missions

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AI-powered solar data analysis

Pattern recognition & feature detection

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Solar cycle research

Forecasting solar activity and understanding space weather

Department of Space Operations

Delivering world-class space mission management and technology.

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Instrument development

From prototypes to flight-ready systems

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Mission operations

Supporting spacecraft like CYGNSS and PUNCH

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Project management

Mission execution, resource allocation, and earned value

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Systems engineering

Risk management, payload acquisition, and mission design

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Cutting-edge facilities

Clean rooms, optical labs, and geochronology research

Spacestation Concept
Charon Transp

Department of Space Studies

Advancing planetary science and space exploration.

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Leading space missions

New Horizons, Lucy, and more

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Solar system modeling

Formation, impacts, and planetary dynamics

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Groundbreaking observations

Telescopic studies from Earth and space

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Planetary weather & climate research

Mars, exoplanets, and beyond

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Advanced laboratory studies

Sample analysis, regolith, and planetary ices

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Instrument development

Innovative instruments from concept to flight

News

Check out our latest news in order to stay up to date on all things SwRI.

We’re Excited to Announce Our New Website!

We’re Excited to Announce Our New Website!

Boulder SWRI is proud to unveil our brand-new website, designed to provide a more streamlined and engaging experience for our community. Our goal with this new site is to make it easier than ever to learn about our work, explore our services, and stay connected with...

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Sample Post 1

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 Join our Weekly Colloquia

We host speakers who present on various topics from planetary science, heliophysics, and other areas.