At the Forefront of Discovery
At WashU, the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences advances the frontiers of planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics, building on a distinguished history of scientific discovery and leadership in major space missions. Our work spans the origins and evolution of planets, stars, and galaxies, as well as the physical laws that govern the universe.
Space science thrives at the intersection of disciplines. By connecting theory, observation, experimentation, and exploration, the Center drives discovery across planetary materials, cosmic phenomena, and the conditions that shape habitable worlds.
Through endowed professorships, advanced instrumentation, support for innovative research, visiting scholars, and investment in postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, the McDonnell Center strengthens WashU’s leadership in space science while cultivating a dynamic, collaborative research community that benefits the St. Louis region and the nation.
The Center also advances public understanding of science through open lectures, community partnerships, and outreach initiatives that connect cutting-edge discovery with broader audiences. As new missions launch and new questions emerge, the Center remains at the forefront of exploration, expanding our understanding of the universe and humanity’s place within it.
Seeing the smallest details: WashU’s new femtosecond laser
A new laser in WashU’s isotope cosmochemistry lab is expanding what researchers can see, measure, and understand about planetary materials.
How WashU researchers are using AI to transform discovery
<p>WashU scientists in biology, chemistry, and physics are using new tools to study evolution, design materials, and model cellular behavior.</p>
Diego Lopez Gutierrez earns prestigious DOE award to advance research on the elusive tau neutrino
Diego Lopez Gutierrez, a McDonnell Center Graduate Fellow in the Department of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis, has been selected for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program, a nationally competitive award that supports outstanding PhD students conducting part of their thesis research at DOE national laboratories.
Meet Our Partners
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Department of Physics
Arts & Sciences at Washington University
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Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
Arts & Sciences at Washington University
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Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering
School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University
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Center for Quantum Leaps
Bringing together scientists working on the development and engineering of quantum technologies and materials and scientists using quantum technologies.
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Astronomy on Tap - St. Louis
An organization offering informal talks on topics of broad interest in astronomy and astrophysics.
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St. Louis Astronomical Society
Devoted to the interest and advancement of the science of astronomy.
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St. Louis Science Center
Regional science museum with exhibits and resources related to the space sciences
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WU Rocketry
WU Rocketry is a student rocket design team of Washington University that competes in the NASA Student Launch Initiative.
