Conducts experimental research into processes affecting the Arctic middle-atmosphere, which includes the cold polar vortex of the dark stratospheric winter and the even colder, permanently daylit mesopause of summer. (Originally the Polar Atmospheric Research Programme, PAF.)
Researches aspects of the sun, the solar corona and the space environment, including the solar wind’s interaction with satellites, the Earth and its magnetosphere; studies the principles and mechanisms which control Earth’s interaction with its space habitat. (Originally the Solar Terrestrial Physics Research Programme, STP.)
Studies the interaction of the solar wind with planets, asteroids and comets, their atmospheres and magnetospheres, as well as researching magnetospheres round other astrophysical objects (stars and galaxies).