RSI has taken a central role in fostering programs which have given rise to Rice’s international reputation in all areas of space research.

As a world leader in space, earth and astronomical sciences, advanced technology and engineering, public policy and business, Rice University invests in efforts to further the development of new ideas and innovation in the broad area that is space exploration and utilization. The Rice Space Institute provides the coordinating hub to foster and develop these activities. RSI partners with other Rice University institutes to advance space as part of the larger research endeavor on campus.

The primary mission of RSI is to generate multidisciplinary collaboration, across campus and beyond the hedges, to stimulate advanced research and education focused on space.