First approved by the U.S. congress in 1987, The National Space Grant Program has expanded from 21 participating states to include all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. This program was designed to network colleges, universities and state education boards along with partners in the sectors of business, industry and non-profit organizations to promote, develop, and strengthen aerospace science, research, technology, education and awareness.

The Louisiana Space Consortium (LaSPACE) is the Louisiana chapter of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. LaSPACE was formed in 1991, based on a proposal put forth by Louisiana with Dr. John Wefel, of Louisiana State University as Principal Investigator, and has offices located in room 371 Nicholson Hall on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

LaSPACE is a statewide consortium composed of 27 members including 19 affiliate universities and colleges joined by partners from business/industry, state/local government, state education boards, and nonprofit organizations.

Congress established the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program under Title 11 of the NASA Authorization Act of 1988. LaSPACE supports the goals of the NSGC&FP.

LaSPACE strives to promote aerospace education and awareness through several different programs, including research grants, graduate fellowships, an innovative 'mentoring' undergraduate research program, educational materials for K-12 teachers, and an outreach program. LaSPACE works to increase interest and awareness in aerospace topics by reporting and promoting Louisiana's role in aerospace research and space exploration through this website, The SpacePorter, and through articles and interviews submitted to other media outlets. In addition, LaSPACE works with outside organizations such as Space.com and the StarDate radio program.

LaSPACE has established a set of goals that address three primary objectives -

• Education and Workforce Development
• Development of Research and Research Infrastructure
• Promoting Public Understanding and Participation in Aerospace Programs