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The goal of the Keck Institute for Space Studies is to develop ideas and concepts that can revolutionize space science and engineering, especially those that have the potential to impact or create future space missions and including opportunities with significant science and societal benefit. The Institute does this by convening study programs and workshops that bring together leading scientists and engineers from the external research community along with the best engineers and scientists from JPL and the Caltech Campus.  We are interested in bringing people together in novel ways for in-depth collaborations that will pursue new scientific, technical, and programmatic directions for space exploration, science, and technology.

We intend to select and support 3-5 Study Programs for the 2027 calendar year.  Submitting a concept proposal is the first step in developing a proposal for a 2027 KISS study.

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. The Keck Institute is looking for programs that would not happen without KISS support. We are looking for technically-oriented studies that significantly advance a field. Proposals for incremental advances are not solicited here.

• We very much encourage proposals from individuals outside the Caltech Campus and JPL communities as well as individuals from Caltech Campus and JPL.
• We especially encourage proposals for studies that might involve a partnership in the study program between KISS and another organization. Potential partners could include commercial industry, private sector organizations including foundations, or government.  We encourage innovative concepts in this regard.
• It is expected that proposals will have a Caltech faculty lead, a JPL lead, and an external lead, with requirement to show involvement of, and benefit to, Caltech Campus, JPL, and wider space communities