Research activities deployed by the members of Department cover planetary science, interplanetary space physics including planetary magnetospheres and the Sun.

Underlying disciplines are, space plasma physics, solar physics, magnetospheric and ionospheric physics, atmospheric science, planetary geology and formation and evolution of planetary systems.

Existing data from missions such as Hinode (Solar physics) and Hisaki (EUV spectroscopy for planetary science) are studied extensively, including analysis of samples brought back by Hayabusa from Asteroid Itokawa.

Missions in preparation, such as BepiColombo to Mercury, are also taken care of by the members of the Department.

In addition, basic research for developing new instruments to be on board future missions, as well as small-scale projects utilizing sub-orbital opportunities, are pursued.