Space Science

UNH space research spans all of the space sciences, with studies ranging from the ionosphere to the Earth's magnetosphere, the local solar system, and out to the farthest reaches of the universe. Investigations of the Earth's environment in the solar system look at space as a laboratory for plasma physics. Theoretical models and and satellite investigations are used to study the solar-terrestrial radiation environment. High energy astrophysics investigations involve the sensing of energetic astrophysical objects with ground, balloon, and satellite detectors.

To learn more, explore the departments, programs, Institutes, and Centers listed below.

Research Profile James Ryan – Using Space Technology to Detect Radiation Threats on Earth
(Photo by K. Donahue, UNH-EOS)

UNH has been involved with, and currently is committed to, instrument design and data analysis for space missions spanning 60 years. Recent NASA missions that are carrying instruments developed at UNH include: STEREO (launched 2006) IBEX (launched 2008) LRO (launched 2009) RBSP (launched 2012) Upcoming missions for which UNH is building instruments are: FIREBIRD (launch date 2013) MMS (launch date 2014) GOES-R (launch date 2014)		What's space plasma physics, and why is UNH so good at it? Watch this 2-minute animated video to find out!

Colleges & Schools

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS)

Research Groups in the Space Science Center (SSC),
Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space (EOS):

Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Research Laboratory
Experimental Space Plasma Group
Space Plasma Theory Group

Research Institutes & Centers

Center for Integrated Computation and Analysis of Reconnection and Turbulence (CICART)

Collaboration with Dartmouth College that brings together researchers from the communities of applied mathematics, astrophysics, computational physics, fluid dynamics, fusion, and space physics to explore fundamental aspects of magnetic reconnection and turbulence
Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space (EOS)

A multidisciplinary scientific research institute dedicated to understanding the integrated behavior of the Earth and its surrounding universe
NH Space Grant Consortium (NH Space Grant)

With support from NASA, stimulate and enhance science and mathematics education at all levels; providing motivation, improving quality, and increasing access for students, teachers, and the general public
Space Science Center (SSC)

Fosters research and graduate education in all the space sciences, with studies ranging from the ionosphere, to the Earth’s magnetosphere, to the local solar system, out to the farthest reaches of the universe