Faculty-directed, student-led space research & engineering at Penn State University.
Pioneering space systems engineering through hands-on student-led flight programs and interdisciplinary research.
Founded in August 2006, the Student Space Programs Laboratory (SSPL) coordinates Penn State student space projects and exposes members to the end-to-end systems engineering process.
SSPL provides an interdisciplinary community where students apply classroom theory to flight hardware, sounding rockets, high-altitude balloons, and lunar infrastructure.
Hands-on space systems engineering across NASA competitions and flight hardware development.
Microwave-assisted lunar regolith processing system designed to extract and smelt metals on the Moon's surface for sustainable lunar exploration.
Atmospheric gravity wave research and real-time video telemetry payloads launched during solar eclipse events under NASA sponsorship.
Automated modular recycling of plastic and metallic waste for lunar missions using microwaves to generate cast metal parts, fuel precursors, and char.
Industry-grade cleanrooms, antenna testing chambers, and prototyping infrastructure.
Our Laboratory is located in a large area within Research West, home to a variety of equipment and tools for space environmental testing and propulsion systems.
Currently under reconstruction. Come help us upgrade it!
Amongst other equipment, SSPL has its own Machine Shop with additive manufacturing and in-house machining.
Meet our 6 student leaders and faculty advisor guiding the Student Space Programs Laboratory.
Start your space engineering journey with SSPL's Student Training Program (STP).
Initiated every January and September, STP takes new students through a complete rapid design-build-launch rocket payload cycle in a single semester.
Gain end-to-end experience from conceptual design, testing, integration, and flight operations to post-flight data analysis.
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Your contribution directly funds SSPL's student training program, project hardware, lab testing equipment, and student travel to competitions. This makes what we do possible. Thank you!
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