The Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium (PRSGC) was established in 1993, in conjunction with the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with the MISSION to enhance local research and education capabilities in aerospace-related fields and to contribute to the nation's science and technology enterprise by capitalizing on the wealth of institutional and human potential resident on the Island. In September 9, 1999 The PRSGC was awarded Designated Grant Status (DGS), along with three other consortia in the Nation, from a competition of 11 states. There is a total of 52 Space Grant consortia in the Nation. Including the new awards, 24 of these are in the DGS category.

The PRSGC accomplishes its Designated Grant renewed and enhanced mission through a multifaceted and balanced approach bolstered by an expanded and diversified system of ten affiliates that constitute a virtual organization of scientists, educators and public servants distributed throughout the Island, with the University of Puerto Rico-Central Administration as the lead institution with headquarters at the Resource Center for Science and Engineering. Through this mechanism, the PRSGC is disseminating and opening greater access to NASA resources in science and technology to promote Puerto Rico's competitiveness in these areas.