The LSST Discovery Alliance (LSST-DA) aims to maximize the scientific and societal impact of Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). We deliver programs and facilitate resources and funding to help researchers analyze and draw meaning from this vast stream of rich, complex data.
- We are an independent nonprofit supported by member institution dues, grants from foundations, and donations from corporations and private donors.
- Our bold programs foster interdisciplinary, inclusive collaboration to accelerate transformative scientific breakthroughs.
- We leverage our deep connections across the Rubin LSST ecosystem to enable scientific discoveries that no single institution could do alone.
A joint endeavor of the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), will begin once the state-of-the-art Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile is completed in 2025. The observatory and camera were designed to produce the widest, deepest, and most complete map of the Universe at incredible speed. Over ten years, LSST will collect nearly 1000 images of every star and galaxy over half of the sky, helping scientists understand our dynamic Universe. In its first year alone, this survey will map more of the sky than all previous maps combined, launching a revolution in our understanding of the Universe.
Our History
LSST Inc. was founded in 2003 as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 Arizona corporation to initiate the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope project (now the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Project, which will carry out the Legacy Survey of Space & Time) and to advance the science of astronomy and physics. For 20 years, LSST Inc. has led evolving aspects of the design, development, and scientific preparation for LSST.
Our Role
Now renamed LSST Discovery Alliance (LSST-DA), our organization has a well-established role in the Rubin LSST ecosystem—supporting the Rubin LSST science community through private funding and programs that complement NSF’s and DOE’s federal investment in the construction and operations of LSST. We are organizationally distinct from the Rubin Observatory teams that are constructing and will operate the Rubin Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).
Mission, Vision, Values
Learn how LSST-DA is driving transformative discoveries in astrophysics by redefining how science is done and who’s at the table.
Our Staff and Board
We’re fortunate to have exemplary professionals guiding our organization. Meet the LSST-DA Board of Directors and staff.
Our Committees
LSST-DA has seven committees that help us fulfill our mission. Read about the purpose of each committee and view members.
Our Supporters
View the donors who will make it possible to revolutionize our understanding of the Universe through inclusive scientific discovery.
Our Member Institutions
We’re a global coalition of more than 30 organizations committed to maximizing the potential of Rubin LSST. See our members.
Frequently Asked Questions
LSST-DA is part of a vast Rubin LSST ecosystem. Find out about our role and how we connect to other stakeholders.