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EnglishWhat is the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Website?
Updated
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) website at lpi.usra.edu is the online home of a science organization that has worked since 1968 to advance understanding of the solar system. Its stated mission is to provide "exceptional science, service, and inspiration to the world." The site is aimed at researchers, students, educators, and anyone following lunar and planetary science, and it functions mainly as a hub for research topics, community programs, and conference announcements rather than as a general news or consumer site.
What the organization does
LPI describes its mission as advancing understanding of the solar system through three things: science, service, and inspiration. That framing shows up across the site in a few recurring areas:
- Research topics — pages that explain specific scientific questions, such as why scientists study primitive achondrites or how topography is used to investigate icy ocean worlds.
- Programs and centers — dedicated initiatives like the Center for Lunar Science and Exploration and the ENComPSS program, each with its own section of the site.
- Community events — announcements for conferences and workshops, including the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) and a workshop on the integrated science of comets.
What you can find on the site
The homepage surfaces a rotating set of features and announcements. Based on the current page content, these include:
| Type of content | Example on the site |
|---|---|
| Research explainers | "Why do we study primitive achondrites?" |
| Methods and tools | "Using Topography to Investigate Icy Ocean Worlds" |
| Exploration topics | "Exploring the Moon's South Pole" |
| Programs | Center for Lunar Science and Exploration; ENComPSS Program |
| Events | LPSC 2027 (March 15–19); Workshop on the Integrated Science of Comets |
| Milestones | 50th year of the LPI Intern Program |
Who it is for
The site is most useful if you want to:
- Understand a specific planetary science question in plain terms.
- Follow major conferences and workshops in lunar and planetary science.
- Learn about internship and education programs tied to planetary research.
- Find a research center or program hosted by LPI.
It is less suited to someone looking for real-time mission updates, consumer space news, or public outreach content aimed at a general audience — those are not the focus of the material shown on the homepage.
A note on access
The page evidence describes LPI's mission, programs, and announcements but does not state pricing, membership terms, or login requirements for any part of the site. If you plan to register for a conference or program, check the specific event or program page for those details rather than assuming access conditions from the homepage.