The Space Research Institute (SRI) follows the guidelines of the National Scientific Technology Policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which outlines the priorities in the field of scientific research and technology development, taking into consideration the national security needs and plans.

The institute works on transferring and nationalizing advanced Technologies in the fields of space and aeronautics. It conducts scientific and applied research, coordinates with universities and scientific centers, and builds manpower for serving the Kingdom's plans in the field of space.

The Institute comprises a number of centers, including the Satellite Technology Center, the Aeronautics Technology Center, the Advanced Materials Technology Center, the Photonics Technology Center, the Saudi Center for Remote Sensing, the Geographic Information Systems Center, the Numerical Studies Center, the Space Physics Center, and the Projects Office.