Keck Institute for Space Studies

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Keck Institute for Space Studies

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The Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) was established at Caltech in January 2008 with a $24 million grant over 8 years from the W. M. Keck Foundation.

The Keck Institute for Space Studies is a "think and do tank" whose primary purpose is to bring together a broad spectrum of scientists and engineers for sustained technical interaction aimed at developing new space mission concepts and technology. The Institute is a "think and do tank," whose primary purpose is to bring together a broad spectrum of scientists and engineers for sustained technical interaction aimed at developing new space mission concepts and technology.

10/21/2026

KISS bridges Caltech Campus and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and acts as a gateway to the wider space community.

Jonathan Lunine, JPL Chief Scientist, speaks on the importance of that convening power.

Full video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=PirZKuwpGFg

Concepts due Oct 30: https://kiss.caltech.edu/apply/

10/15/2026

Ever wondered how autonomous systems can be applied to space missions?

Join us on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 for the "Too Distant, Too Uncertain, Too Unforgiving: Assuring Autonomous Space Explorers We've Yet to Trust" short course.

For more, visit: https://bit.ly/assuring-short-course

10/12/2026

Curious about the impact of a Keck Institute for Space Studies study?

Hear from Shouleh Nikzad (Chief Technologist, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory) co-lead of the 2011 Next Generation UV Instrument Technologies study program.

Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PirZKuwpGFg

Concepts due Oct 30: https://www.kiss.caltech.edu/apply/

To learn more about the Next Generation UV Instrument Technologies study program, visit: https://kiss.caltech.edu/studies/?study=3926

10/09/2026

Yesterday, KISS hosted an open house for our ever-growing community.

To learn about the work that KISS makes possible, watch our introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PirZKuwpGFg

Study Proposal Concepts are due Oct 30. Visit our website for more: https://www.kiss.caltech.edu/apply/

10/02/2026

The latest KISS newsletter is now available: https://mailchi.mp/kiss.caltech.edu/kiss-q4-2026

Read to learn about:
🔭 2027 KISS Study Program Solicitation - concepts due by Oct 30
🌍 Upcoming Events - KISS open house Oct 7 & short courses
👩‍🚀 KISS Impact - KISS final reports & 2026 introductory video

10/01/2026

New to Keck Institute for Space Studies?

Learn about the impact of our study programs in our latest introductory video: https://youtu.be/PirZKuwpGFg?si=RvdErGObbZnWOgKd

Want to learn more?

Check out our revamped website: https://www.kiss.caltech.edu/

Get involved: our 2027 program call is now live:
https://www.kiss.caltech.edu/apply

The Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) was established at Calt...

09/25/2026

The call for 2027 KISS studies opens October 1!

Join us on 10/7 for a KISS Open House. Meet the team, Steering Committee members, past participants, and affiliates.

Past, current, or future members of the KISS community are welcome to attend.

RSVP: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Xtw4TDV2nq

09/23/2026

The Keck Institute for Space Studies Affiliates joined the wider Caltech NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory community for the 2026 JPL Night at Dodger Stadium.

The group cheered on the Los Angeles Dodgers as they faced the San Francisco Giants, with the Dodgers winning 8-2.

Address

345 S. Michigan Avenue
Pasadena, CA
91106

Website

http://kiss.caltech.edu/

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