The Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) was established at Caltech in January 2008 with an initial grant from the W. M. Keck Foundation. The Institute is a "think and do tank," that is shaping the future of space exploration, science, and technology through:

• Developing ideas and concepts that can revolutionize space science and engineering
• Fostering collaboration bridging Caltech and JPL, and integrating the world’s space leaders into our community 
• Empowering future leaders of the space science and technology community

This unique organization links the study elements of a think tank with the implementation elements of designing and developing prototypes. The Institute is centered on the intellectual, instrumentation, and research strengths of the Caltech Campus and JPL — and augments those strengths by inviting external experts from academia, government, and industry to engage in its programs. The Institute also provides opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to actively participate in cutting edge space mission research and learning. The Institute supports significant outreach to the public and the wider technical/scientific community via open lectures and other events.

At the Keck Institute for Space Studies, we:

Please visit the Tolman/Bacher Website to read more about the history and architecture of the Tolman/Bacher House and the Keck Center.