The Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) 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.

KISS is recognized for its significant impact in many different areas:

At KISS we are dedicated to solving the most important and interesting space exploration problems of our time. We are at the forefront of new planetary, astrobiology, Earth and astrophysics space mission concepts and technology. We work to development innovative concepts through our study programs, build community through networking events, inform and inspired through public lectures, and empower future space leaders through our affiliates program.

Read more about the impact of the Keck Institute on specific study program pages and through:

Testimonials Final Reports Research Papers KISS in the News