Space

The Department of Physics works on major space missions with the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and the UK Space Agency. Recent projects include the Ariel exoplanet observatory, various Mars exploration programmes, and the Euclid cosmology mission. Researchers study the formation of galaxies, the evolution of planets, and the behaviour of atmospheres on Earth and beyond.

Beyond pure science, Oxford researchers are finding practical uses for space technology. Remote sensing work and satellite data analysis support climate monitoring, disaster response, and land use planning. The University's location near the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus provides close links to the UK's space industry. The campus is home to ESA's ECSAT centre, RAL Space, and the Satellite Applications Catapult.

Current initatives include:

• Comet Interceptor – MIRMIS: The Department of Physics is developing the Modular Infrared Molecules and Ices Sensor for ESA's Comet Interceptor mission. The instrument will analyse the chemical composition of comets using modular precision components.
• ARIEL Exoplanet Observatory: Oxford researchers, including Neil Bowles, are contributing to ESA's ARIEL mission, which launches in 2029. The mission will survey roughly 1,000 exoplanet atmospheres using transit spectroscopy, providing the first large-scale chemical census of worlds beyond our solar system.
• EnVision Venus Mission: As part of ESA's €610 million Cosmic Vision programme, Oxford researchers will study Venusian volcanism and atmospheric chemistry through remote sensing techniques.
• ESA_LAB@Oxford: Established in 2020, this collaboration with ESA focuses on developing AI tools, photonic technology, and governance frameworks for space exploration.