The Space Studies Institute (SSI) is a non-profit organization founded in 1977 by physicist Gerard K. O'Neill. Its primary goal is to promote the development of space resources and technologies to enable human settlement beyond Earth. SSI conducts research and supports projects that explore the potential for using materials found in space, such as asteroids and the Moon, to sustain human life and industry. SSI emphasizes the importance of space exploration for the future of humanity. By advocating for innovative approaches to space development, the institute aims to inspire new generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers. Its work contributes to the broader field of space exploration and the vision of a sustainable human presence in the cosmos.