The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) was incorporated on March 12, 1969, in Washington, D.C. as a private, nonprofit corporation under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

[2][3] USRA provides a mechanism through which universities can cooperate effectively with one another, with the government, and with other organizations to further space science and technology, and to promote education in these areas.

James Webb, NASA Administrator, wrote to President Frederick Seitz, proposing a university association, chartered to advance space science and technology.

All the efforts under taken by USRA from its founding to the present day fulfil its non-profit purpose and also realize Webb's vision of close partnership and engagement of universities.

The initial headquarters of USRA was at the University of Virginia, where Professor A. R. Kuhlthau served as the first president of the association.

Dessler moved the headquarters of the association to Rice University, where he served as chairman of the Department of Space Physics and Astronomy.