Space Physics Research Laboratory

Welcome to the Space Physics Research Laboratory and XTRM Labs!

For over 75 years, our technicians have built electronics that operate in one of the most forbidding environments we know, with ionizing radiation from the Sun and a chill close to absolute zero. XTRM labs grew out of the Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL).

We’ve designed components for orbit and for landing on the moon, dust-storm-prone Mars and even a comet. But you don’t have to go to space to find these environments. Researchers operating in deserts have to put up with dust storms, those in tundra deal with frigid temperatures, and in the deep sea, pressures can reach a crushing eight tons per square inch. XTRM labs bring our space environment expertise back down to Earth. Find out how we can help you.

  • Solar Flare
    CUSTOM & RUGGED

FEATURED NEWS

Photo of Anthony Russel

Space Physics Spotlight: Q&A with Anthony Russel

SPRL Software Developer shares his technical work and experiences. Read more.

Photo of PIXL Instrument

Engineering Work Featured in Science Magazine

The discoveries of NASA’s Mars Rover and PIXL are featured in Science Magazine. Read more.

Image of rocket in sky

A Brief History of the Space Physics Research Lab

For over 75 years, SPRL has sent instruments skyward to advance science. Read more.

Space Physics Research

Image of space instruments

The Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) designs, constructs, tests, operates and analyzes data from space flight instruments.

XTRM Labs

Solar panels

XTRM Labs prepares sensitive electronics to survive 14g accelerations and operate in ionizing radiation from the Sun with a chill close to absolute zero.

Get Involved

Photo of space shuttle launching

PARTNERSHIPS

Consult with our technicians for your next extreme application or space experiment.

Photo of engineer teaching students skills

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Bring our expertise into the classroom with guest speakers or course-ready tutorials.

Person working on a machine

FUNDING

Support our cutting-edge work to expand human and mechanical capabilities in space.