The SETI Institute is a non-profit research organization dedicated to the exploration of the universe and the search for extraterrestrial life. Founded in 1984, the institute is based in Mountain View, California and is best known for its work in cosmic exploration. SETI stands for Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and is an acronym for the Cosmic Exploration Organization. The institute's mission is to explore, understand and explain the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe.