It was formerly known as the Space Research Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences (Russian abbr.

It conducts scientific research in the fields of astrophysics, planetary science, solar physics, Sun-Earth relations, cosmic plasma, and geophysics.

[1] Initially, the institute formed its staff by drawing scientists from other research organizations.

[2] With time, it grew to two thousand employees, including those in a few branches located elsewhere in the country.

[1] The institute engages in research in the following areas: Additionally, IKI's scientists belong to various international collaborations on a number of science projects, such as IBEX and Planck, and are engaged in studies with Earth-based facilities.