The Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) pertains to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and is affiliated with the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC).
Officially created in 2008, ICE engages in theoretical and observational research across disciplines, including fundamental physics, astrophysics, planetary and Earth sciences. The institute also develops theoretical models, as well as instrumentation and technology for space and ground-based missions and experiments.
ICE has about 90 members, two departments (Astrophysics & Planetary Sciences, and Cosmology & Fundamental Physics) and an Advanced Engineering Unit running 7 laboratories. The institute has obtained the María de Maeztu seal of excellence for the period 2022 – 2025.