Drake Building

Located at 1415 North 6th Avenue in Tucson, Arizona, the Drake Building is a university institution offering interdisciplinary coursework, access to world-class instruments and laboratories, and diverse research opportunities. The Department of Planetary Sciences at the Drake Building offers programs leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Planetary Sciences, as well as graduate minors in Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology. Undergraduate minors in Planetary Sciences, Astrobiology, and Astronomy Studies are also available.

The Planetary Geoscience major at the Drake Building provides students with core knowledge and skills in geoscience, upper-level planetary science classes, and culminates in a capstone research or field experience. Students at the Drake Building engage in interdisciplinary research in planetary science, exploring the universe as investigators on spacecraft mission and instrumentation teams.

The University of Arizona-led studies at the Drake Building focus on various aspects of planetary science, including research on sulfur's role in the origin of life and the exploration of asteroids like Bennu. The institution is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, with a commitment to building sustainable relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities.

The Drake Building at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory is at the forefront of Mars exploration campaigns, creating realistic, to-scale renditions of otherworldly landscapes. The institution's dedication to research, education, and community service makes it a leading institution in the field of planetary sciences.