Created in 1964, its main tasks are public service and research in the field of the space aeronomy, i.e. tasks that require data knowledge, gathered using ground-based, balloon, rockets and satellites observations within the framework of physics and chemistry of the atmosphere and outer space.

That implies the following specific tasks:

• to collect and place at the disposal of interested parties information on the terrestrial space environment;
• to develop experimental programs and theories which explain the observations;
• to implement calculations, measurements and observations allowing control and extension of the existing knowledge.