The Keck Institute for Space Studies

KISS is Caltech's 'think-and-do' tank that ignites breakthrough ideas that shape the future of space exploration, science, and technology.

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Pulsar-based Navigation and Time Keeping for Space Exploration

KISS Pulsar PNT Short Course

Join us for a short course on Monday, November 16, 2026. No registration is required.

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Crucial Carbon Stores and Fluxes in Desert Environments

The final KISS study program of the year runs from Monday, December 14 - Friday, December 18, 2026.

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2027 KISS Study Program Call

Study program concepts are solicited in the broad areas of space studies including but not limited to planetary science, earth science, astronomy & astrophysics, and engineering. Final proposals are due Dec 21.

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The Keck Institute for Space Studies is shaping the future of space exploration

Develop Ideas

and concepts that can revolutionize space science and engineering
Foster Collaboration

KISS acts as a bridge between Caltech Campus and JPL, as well as a gateway to the wider space community.
Empowering the Future

leaders of the space science and technology community
Inform and Inspire

the wider space community and the public through open events

Upcoming Events

Pulsar-based Navigation and Time Keeping for Space Exploration

16 - 20 Nov

This month

Invite only

Astrophysics

Workshop

Pulsar-based Navigation and Time Keeping for Space Exploration

The overall goal of the workshop is to define potential operational systems that incorporate either X-ray or radio sensors to provide pulsar measurements that enable autonomous navigation and timekeeping for interplanetary (or interstellar) spacecraft or lunar surface systems.
Pulsar-based Navigation and Time Keeping for Space Exploration

16 Nov

This month

Public

Engineering

Short Course

Pulsar-based Navigation and Time Keeping for Space Exploration
Crucial Carbon Stores and Fluxes in Desert Environments

14 - 18 Dec

Next month

Invite only

Earth

Workshop

Crucial Carbon Stores and Fluxes in Desert Environments

Understanding carbon stores and fluxes in desert environments is crucial to reach conservation, regeneration, and carbon goals locally and globally. The first workshop will lay the groundwork for achieving a common understanding of science and measurement needs and technical feasibility.