Lunar Prospector was a NASA mission as part of the Discovery Program.

The 19-month mission was designed for a low polar orbit investigation of the Moon, including mapping of surface composition and possible polar ice deposits, measurements of magnetic and gravity fields, and study of lunar outgassing events.

The mission ended July 31, 1999, when the orbiter was deliberately crashed into a crater near the lunar south pole after the presence of water ice was successfully detected.

Data from the mission allowed the construction of a detailed map of the surface composition of the Moon, and helped to improve understanding of the origin, evolution, current state, and resources of the Moon. Several articles on the scientific results were published in the journal Science.

OSIRIS-REx (NASA's Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer) is a planned asteroid study and sample return mission.

It is a planetary science mission, the third selected in the New Frontiers Program, after Juno and New Horizons. The mission is planned for a 2016 launch and will study and return a sample of asteroid 101955 Bennu (formerly designated 1999 RQ36), a carbonaceous asteroid, to Earth for detailed analyses in 2023. Material returned is expected to enable scientists to learn more about the time before the formation and evolution of the Solar System, initial stages of planet formation, and the source of organic compounds which led to the formation of life.

E2V  offer space-qualified and proven imaging sensors and arrays for space science, earth observation and astronomy applications.

e2v is a supplier of high sensitivity image sensors to the global space sector. Launched into orbit with satellite missions, e2v's sensors transmit back to Earth detailed images of new scientific discoveries. These include the detection of new extra-solar planets, findings from investigations into black holes and detailed astronomical information on significant environmental climate changes. Custom sensor designs and packaging from e2v are recognised for their technical excellence by the world's major space agencies, including NASA, ESA, JAXA and CSA.

Current programmes

We have supplied, or are currently supplying, image sensors for the following programmes:

• Space science
• Earth observation and environmental monitoring
• Star trackers

Technology

The technology underpinning the performance of our image sensors in space missions has been developed over the past 30 years. Specific areas of technological expertise, which make our devices well suited to space use include:

Radiation tolerant device structures and processes, backed up by detailed theoretical models and experimental data on radiation damage effects
Back-illumination process which produces stable device performance
Custom, high performance and reliable packaging solutions to give efficient thermal, mechanical and electrical interfaces to instrument systems
Fast turnaround of custom CCD designs drawing on large existing functional cell library

Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) is one of 17 national laboratories funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The lab also receives support from the City of Newport News and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The lab's primary mission is to conduct basic research of the atom's nucleus using the lab's unique particle accelerator, known as the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF). Jefferson Lab also conducts a variety of research using its Free-Electron Laser, which is based on the same electron-accelerating technology used in CEBAF.

In addition to its science mission, the lab provides programs designed to help educate the next generation in science and technology, and to engage the public.

Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) is a Japanese national research organization of astrophysics using rockets, astronomical satellites and interplanetary probes.

Since 2003, it is a division of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

In 2003, three national aerospace organizations including ISAS were merged to form Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The ISAS English name 'Institute of Space and Astronautical Science' is still used (as of April 2014).

The GPS aided geo augmented navigation or GPS and geo-augmented navigation system (GAGAN) is an implementation of a regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) by the Indian government.

It is a system to improve the accuracy of a GNSS receiver by providing reference signals. The AAI's efforts towards implementation of operational SBAS can be viewed as the first step towards introduction of modern communication, navigation, surveillance/Air Traffic Management system over Indian airspace. 

The project has established 15 Indian Reference Stations, 3 Indian Navigation Land Uplink Stations, 3 Indian Mission Control Centers, and installation of all associated software and communication links.[4] It will be able to help pilots to navigate in the Indian airspace by an accuracy of 3 m. This will be helpful for landing aircraft in tough weather and terrain like Mangalore and Leh airports.

Flock 1 is a fleet of 28 small satellites. Its deployment began on 11 Feb 2014 from the International Space Station. It was at that date the largest single constellation of Earth-imaging satellites ever to launch into space.

Built and operated by Planet Labs of San Francisco, the Flock 1 small satellites are individually referred to as Doves.

The Dove satellites are part of a class of miniature satellites often called CubeSats. These small satellites will capture imagery of Earth for use in humanitarian, environmental and commercial applications. Data collected by the Flock 1 constellation will be universally accessible to anyone who wishes to use it.

The Barcelona Moon Team (BMT) is a multidisciplinary joint venture bringing together entrepreneurial, industrial and academic capabilities representing the only Spanish based team at the Google Lunar X PRIZE.

Among its objectives are:

(1) to take the leadership in an ambitious space project. This important project elevates the Spanish aerospace sector to a leadership position in all the aspects related with the management and execution of a highly complex space mission. Thanks to this leadership position the national industry can play a role as a main contractor using its demonstrated experience and capabilities, meaning a competitive advantage. It is foreseen that these capabilities will help win contracts for our companies in the future.

(2) to foster the scientific and technical vocations and to retain talent; thanks to an extensive communications program with the aim to stimulate the participation of the general public in the event. In one hand scientific and technical careers will be encouraged among the youth, developing specialized knowledge workers for the future. In the other hand the attraction of international talent will bring new professionals and researchers from abroad, stopping the exodus of professionals and young graduates and doctors to other countries.

Umbilical Design was founded in 2001, and since its inception has worked with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) on design for the space industry. Umbilical Design has also been successful in showing how design, technology and material from the space industry can be transferred to Swedish enterprise and society.

Umbilical Design is one of thirteen European companies that the ESA has designated as Space Brokers. Umbilical Design's assignment from the ESA is to oversee the transfer of technology from the space sector to Swedish industry with the overarching objective to stimulate business opportunities by exploiting the materials knowledge, methods and approaches of the space sector.

The term "umbilical" is used in astronautics to describe whatever links one object or system to another, such as the lifeline connecting an astronaut performing an EVA with her spacecraft.

Umbilical Design operates in three fields: space, extreme environments and household products.

Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) is one of the 31 institutes and centers in Academia Sinica aspiring to be at the forefront of astronomical research.

Devoting our efforts in specific directions, we have built up core groups in theoretical and experimental astrophysics and instrumentation. Research topics carried out at ASIAA range from solar system, star formation, to extra-galactic science and cosmology. ASIAA also frequently hosts international workshops and conferences.

The goal of ASIAA is to become an international research institute engaged in frontier projects, competing and collaborating with the leading research groups worldwide.