Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy
The Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) is a Belgian federal scientific research institute. Created in 1964, its main tasks are:
- research and public service in space aeronomy, which is the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere of the Earth and other planets, and of outer space;
- focuses on Chemistry & Physics of Atmospheres and Space Physics, relying on ground-based, balloon-, air- or space-borne instruments and computer models.;
- designs and builds instruments to monitor atmospheres and the space environment;
- operates Belgian experiments on board the International Space Station and other satellites;
- participates in international measurement programmes;
- compares observations with numerical simulations to validate and improve our knowledge;
- turns scientific know-how into services to the benefit of society;
- disseminates this knowledge through publications, web services and public outreach.
