About Us

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Welcome to the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration at Western University, the leading organization for Earth and space exploration research and training in Canada. The mission of the Institute is to lead in interdisciplinary research and innovation in Earth and space exploration, and to strengthen and grow the Canadian Earth and space exploration communities through inspiring and training the next generation of scientists, engineers, social scientists and entrepreneurs.

The Institute for Earth and Space Exploration was established in June 2019 and builds on the foundations of the former Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration that was established in 2008. The Institute is home to 66 researchers from the following 9 faculties and 19 departments:

  • Engineering: Civil Engineering; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mechanical and Materials Engineering.
  • Science: Earth Sciences; Physics and Astronomy; Chemistry.
  • Health Sciences: Kinesiology; Health Studies.
  • Law
  • Schulich: Biochemistry; Family Medicine; Medical Biophysics; Ophthalmology; Surgery.
  • Social Science: Geography, History, Psychology.
  • Arts & Humanities: Philosophy.
  • Education: Curriculum Studies and Studies in Applied Linguistics.
  • Business: Entrepenurship.  

Western Space members holding prestigious awards include: 6 Research Chairs (3 Endowed/Industry-funded), 4 Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada, 3 Distinguished University Professors, and 3 Faculty Scholars.

The research conducted by these faculty can be broadly grouped into 6 fundamental disciplinary Research Themes:

  •  Earth Observation, Monitoring and Protection
  •  Exploration Technologies
  •  Planetary Processes and Materials
  •  Galactic and Stellar Processes
  •  Space Health
  •  Space Policy, Law, Business and Education.

Through consultations with Institute faculty, staff, and students, and various internal and external stakeholders, the Institute has developed a strategic roadmap that outlines the goals, objectives, and outcomes for the next 5 years.

Goals and Objectives

In achieving this vision, our is to establish Western as an international leader in interdisciplinary research, and an epicenter for training and outreach for 21st century explorers. The Institute will promote and support problem- and team-based interdisciplinary research focused on 3 major research goals and 2 major Outreach and Training goals:




Goal 1

Remotely explore and characterize the Solar System and the Universe beyond.



Goal 2

Contribute to the sustainable human exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.



Goal 3

Bring the benefits of space science and technology down to Earth.





Goal 4: Ensure that the Canadian space program has the human capacity to deliver Canada’s Space Strategy and expand opportunities in Canada for our trainees



Goal 5: Inspire the next generation of Canadians to develop their space science literacy and to pursue careers in STEM fields



Our Vision

The Vision of the Institute is to launch Western into space and bring space down to Earth for the benefit of all Canadians.

Our Mission 

To advance the scientific understanding of space from the Solar System to the Universe beyond and to address humanity’s grand challenges using space systems and technologies.

Our Mandate 

To support and develop an environment that fosters collaborative research, innovation, and capacity development in the space domain.