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

  • Mapping the Best Route for a Spacecraft Beyond the Sun’s Sphere of Influence

    Mapping the Best Route for a Spacecraft Beyond the Sun’s Sphere of Influence

    A University of Michigan-led study provides recommendations to better understand the size and shape of our home in the heliosphere. […]Read More…

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  • Annual Spencer Lecture Features Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen

    Annual Spencer Lecture Features Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen

    Held in honor of former SPRL Director Nelson W. Spencer, the annual Spencer Lecture will feature Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, who led science at NASA from 2016…

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  • Space Physics Q&A: An Interview with Software Developer Anthony Russel

    Space Physics Q&A: An Interview with Software Developer Anthony Russel

    Anthony Russel works as an Intermediate Software Developer at the Space Physics Research Laboratory. He develops software and supports data processing for the CYGNSS mission and…

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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.

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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

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

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FUNDING

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