Vision:

The Space Science Institute is a thriving center of talented, entrepreneurial scientists, educators, and other professionals who make outstanding contributions to humankind’s understanding and appreciation of planet Earth, the Solar System, the galaxy and beyond.

Mission:

The Space Science Institute creates bridges between: Research & Education, Space & Earth Science, Formal & Informal Education, and Local & National Programs.

SSI carries out world-class research in space and earth science together with innovative science education programs that inspire and deepen our understanding of planet Earth and its place in the grander Universe. Our integrated research and education programs span planetary science, space physics, astrophysics, astrobiology, and earth science.

SSI’s education programs use traveling exhibits, workshops, instructional materials, and the Internet to bring science to educators and education to scientists. Our programs engage scientists effectively in education, enhance science literacy, and contribute to a capable and diverse technical workforce.

SSI provides unique opportunities for exceptional scientists and educators to carry out their work at offsite locations defined by personal choices about where to live.

About the Institute:

The Space Science Institute is exploring a model for what a 21st century scientific research and education institution should be – one that is firmly committed to integration as well as inspiration (see SSI’s Vision Statement above). We strongly believe that the scientific research enterprise must not be practiced in isolation from the public that supports it. SSI is dedicated to facilitating the more active and effective involvement of the space and earth science research community in all types of education and public outreach (EPO). We intend to maintain a dynamic balance between our scientific research and EPO programs.

We collaborate synergistically with universities, corporations and governments locally, regionally, nationally and internationally to enhance the global vision and impact of science and technology. These strategic partnerships and alliances enable us to implement a variety of high quality projects. These connections make us especially well poised to take full educational advantage of exciting scientific discoveries and special events in the research realm (e.g. the landing of the Mars exploration rovers and the Cassini mission to Saturn). Such events are catalysts for learning science content and process, consistent with National and State Education Standards, as well as with the need for cultivating a greater appreciation and understanding of science amongst the general public.

Institute headquarters is in Boulder, Colorado. We are a 501 c(3) corporation.