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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The latest KISS newsletter is now available (mailchi.mp/kiss.caltech...). 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

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

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: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Xtw4TDV2nq

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The @kiss-caltech.bsky.social Affiliates joined the wider @caltech.edu 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.

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Today, we are looking back at our 2024 short course "Sample Return from all across the Solar System" which explored the scientific value of sample return missions. For more, visit: www.kiss.caltech.edu/short_course... Explore the KISS video archive on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/KISSCal...

kiss.caltech.edu

Short Course: Sample Return from all across the Solar System

Sample Return from all across the Solar System

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

🚀 The @kiss-caltech.bsky.social final report “A New Era of Space Science: Actionable and Affordable Mission Plans” is now available. The report lays out pathways to make ambitious Moon & Mars science missions more affordable and achievable. 📖 Read the full report: bit.ly/New-Era-report

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Read the latest KISS newsletter to learn about our upcoming fall short courses, KISS affiliate graduates, recent symposium, steering committee updates and more! Available at: mailchi.mp/kiss.caltech...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

So wonderful to see our @kiss-caltech.bsky.social affiliates shine at the 2026 @spie.org conference in Denmark. They are going out into the world, sharing their research and shaping the future of space science!🔭 If you're presenting KISS-related work at upcoming conferences, let us know!

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

KISS Affiliate Spotlight: Meet Gaurav Waratkar! Gaurav is a PMA postdoc developing next-generation X-ray detectors for future space missions allowing deeper studies of the X-ray universe. To learn more about his research, visit: kiss.caltech.edu/people/gaura...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Last week, @kiss-caltech.bsky.social and @caltech.edu's Brinson Exploration Hub convened experts from industry, academia, & NASA to discuss paradigm-shifting ideas, affordability improvement measures, & personal actions to shape a new era of space science. Thanks to all involved!

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Reposted by Keck Institute for Space Studies

Caltech @caltech.edu · 17/07/2026

Five new study topics have been selected by the Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) at Caltech to develop collaborations, frameworks, and mission concepts to transform the future of space exploration. www.caltech.edu/about/news/n...

caltech.edu

New Cohort of KISS Study Programs Push the Frontiers of Space Exploration

From exoplanets to desert landscapes, Caltech and JPL researchers are leading the development of revolutionary space missions of the future.

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

KISS Affiliate Spotlight: Meet Kimberly Paragas! Kimberly is a GPS graduate student and the PI of a James Webb Space Telescope program aimed at characterizing the airless rocky exoplanet, LHS 3844 b. To learn more about her research, visit: www.kiss.caltech.edu/people/kimbe...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

KISS Affiliate Spotlight: Meet Federico Benazzo! Federico is a EAS graduate student that developing ultra-thin carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymers for deployable space structures. To learn more about his research, visit: www.kiss.caltech.edu/people/feder...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Recently, @kiss-caltech.bsky.social welcomed students from Mount Maunganui College in New Zealand for a visit! Our KISS affiliates presented their research & moderated a sample return mission session! The group then enjoyed a night at Mount Wilson Observatory and caught a rocket launch over LA!

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

KISS Affiliate Spotlight: Meet Victor Vescu! Victor is a EAS graduate student that researches the mechanics of natural and human-induced earthquakes through numerical simulations. To learn more about his research, visit: kiss.caltech.edu/people/victo...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

KISS Affiliate Spotlight: Meet Sophia Westerkamp! Sophia is a GPS graduate student investigating how molecular-scale interactions scale up to form the rocks, planets, and systems that define our solar system. To learn more about her research, visit: www.kiss.caltech.edu/people/sophi...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Welcome, Ray Jayawardhana, to Caltech! 🛰️🌎🚀🌌🪐

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Participants from the KISS "One-shot Outer Solar System Exploration” study are planning a follow on IROS workshop on Robotic One-Shot Exploration from Deep Ocean to Deep Space! The call for contributions is now open - submit by July 27: sites.google.com/view/iros-20...

sites.google.com

ROSE Workshop @ IROS 2026 - Call for Contributions

Extended Abstract We invite extended abstracts on robotics for exploration in remote, extreme, or poorly characterized environments. Topics include ocean and space robotics, autonomous science, adapti...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Introducing KISS, featuring our new director, Mike Watkins! www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO5h... Watch our new trailer to learn what we're all about, then dive deeper: 📄 Reports & study findings: www.kiss.caltech.edu/final_report... 🎥 Lecture recordings: www.youtube.com/user/KISSCal...

youtube.com

Keck Institute for Space Studies: Shaping the Future of Space Exploration

YouTube video by caltech

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Congratulations to the KISS Affiliates Class of 2026! 🎓✨ Today, we celebrate your hard work, perseverance, and the bright futures ahead of you. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make! To learn more about the affiliates, visit: www.kiss.caltech.edu/affiliates.h...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

We're thrilled to share the newly published KISS Final Report, Exploring Exoplanets with Interferometry! Could next generation space interferometers help us find signs of life beyond Earth? This report explores how! Read the full report: bit.ly/exploring-ex...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

It was fantastic to reconnect for a second study week with the “Next Frontiers in the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Organics” study participants! Learn more about this study on our website: www.kiss.caltech.edu/programs.htm...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

The Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) is pleased to announce updates to the KISS Steering Committee. Chaired by KISS Director, Mike Watkins, the 11 members of the Steering Committee provide guidance and expertise on KISS activities. www.kiss.caltech.edu/impact/2026_...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

The Red Planet has inspired us for generations. Hear from our invited speakers Bonnie Teece (@cornelluniversity.bsky.social) and Brandi Carrier (@nasajpl.bsky.social) as they discussed Mars through the Ages. Available now on our YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=elun...

youtube.com

Mars through the Ages

YouTube video by KISSCaltech

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

🚀 We're hiring a paid summer intern at KISS! Hands-on role in event support, impact analysis & website migration. Undergrad/grad students based in LA or able to work in Pasadena this summer. Looking to hire ASAP: phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf03/ats/ca... See KISS in action: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO5h...

phf.tbe.taleo.net

Hiring KISS Summer Intern, Office of the Provost - Pasadena, CA

View job details and apply now

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Last Thursday, @kiss-caltech.bsky.social hosted its annual Caltech-JPL Mixer at the Keck Center. The collaborative spirit was in full force as both communities gathered to explore options for diverse joint research programs in the fields of Earth and Space Science, and Technology.

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

The recording from the KISS panel at Ascend 2026 is available online. Thank you to our panelists including Evgenya Shkolnik, Jim Green, Charles Norton & Jon Arenberg for joining us for this incredible discussion on interdisciplinary collaboration. www.youtube.com/watch?v=A46a...

youtube.com

Making Revolutionary Ideas in Space Exploration Happen Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration

YouTube video by AIAA

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Last week KISS participants presented key findings from the recent “One-shot Outer Solar System Exploration with Adaptive Space Systems” study at both AIAA Ascend and #AbSciCon26 - showcasing the value of software-defined, capability-driven missions for deep space science.

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Great work by @kiss-caltech.bsky.social co-lead Jessica Weber presenting the "Next Frontiers in the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Organics" study at #AbSciCon, and also to see participants reconnecting ahead of Workshop 2 in June! Read more on the study: www.kiss.caltech.edu/programs.htm...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Grateful for an incredible panel at Ascend 2026 with Evgenya Shkolnik, Jim Green, Charles Norton & Jon Arenberg. A key takeaway? Interdisciplinary collaboration makes ideas stronger, and the space sector needs more of these conversations. 🚀 #SpaceScience #ascendspace

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Multiple KISS studies are presenting their work at AbSciCon including "One-shot Outer Solar System Exploration with Adaptive Space Systems" (kiss.caltech.edu/programs.htm...) and "Next Frontiers in the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Organics" (kiss.caltech.edu/programs.htm...)!

kiss.caltech.edu

Study Programs | Keck Institute for Space Studies

KISS study programs concentrate on ideas that have the capacity for revolutionary advances in space mission capability.

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

The latest KISS newsletter is available, including updates on: 📆 Upcoming KISS Events - panels and lecture 🪐 2026 KISS study programs 👩‍🚀 KISS Impact - papers and presentations 🚀 Recent KISS activities - Yuri’s Night, recent talks, annual report Read it in full: mailchi.mp/kiss.caltech...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

@kiss-caltech.bsky.social is leading a panel on interdisciplinary collaboration for advancing space science, exploration, and technology at ASCEND 2026. Join us from 1:30 -2:15pm on Wed May 20 at the International Ballroom to hear from our invited panelists and Executive Director!

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Learn more about the Red Planet at "Mars through the Ages", a talk presented by invited speakers Bonnie Teece (@cornelluniversity.bsky.social) and Brandi Carrier (@nasajpl.bsky.social)! Location: Sharp Lecture Hall, Caltech Time: Refreshments 4:30pm, Lecture 5:00pm To register: bit.ly/2026_Mars

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

🚀 Curious about the future of space science? KISS hosts public lectures throughout the year including recent talks by John Mather on hybrid space-ground observatories, and Zac Manchester on building a tiny open-course space program. View past recordings: www.youtube.com/user/KISSCal...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

The Keck Institute for Space Studies Annual Overview for 2025 was published in March 2026 and is now available. The overview highlights the impact of KISS through its study programs, symposia, public lectures, and more. To read the report, visit: www.kiss.caltech.edu/final_report...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

The lecture recording from Zac Manchester's (@mit.edu) talk is available on our YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-KV... Watch the video to learn more about the future of low-cost missions and open-source programming. To view past lectures, visit: www.kiss.caltech.edu/lectures.html

youtube.com

Building a Tiny Open-Source Space Program: From ChipSats to Autonomous Swarms

YouTube video by KISSCaltech

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

We recently hosted the KISS "One-shot Outer Solar System Exploration with Adaptive Space Systems - Part II" study program. Congratulations to the team! Stay tuned for updates such as the final report and follow-on impact. Visit our website for more: kiss.caltech.edu/programs.htm...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Be sure to check out the short course videos from our Hybrid Space-Ground Observatories study program! Hear from the amazing speakers as they discuss the latest technologies and mission concepts that aim to probe the cosmos for Earth-like exoplanets! Watch now: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Excited to hear Dr. Nicky Fox talk about potential mission concepts to move the cutting edge during Ignition,@kiss-caltech.bsky.social has led studies on these topics inc. low-cost standardized space telescopes, rapid response missions, & Uranus science. Read: www.kiss.caltech.edu/final_reports.html

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Great launch party here @kiss-caltech.bsky.social with our wonderful affiliates as the crew of Artemis II begins their journey to the moon! Congratulations on a successful launch and we look forward to their return after the mission is complete! 🚀🌕

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Reposted by Keck Institute for Space Studies

Caltech IPAC @caltechipac.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

World-class research+world-class art=@nature.com Astro cover. This supergroup collab between @kiss-caltech.bsky.social & Keith Miller from IPAC’s Science Engagement Lab is a fusion of science and vision. They celebrated by signing their masterpiece.🖊️🔭 www.nature.com/natastron/volumes/10/issues/3

This is a photo of five men standing side by side, each smiling and holding a color print of the March 2026 Nature Astronomy cover featuring their work. The individuals are (left to right): Stuart Shaklan, Ahmed Soliman, Keith Miller, Eliad Peretz, and John Mather. Image credit: Harriet Brettle/Caltech-Keck Institute for Space Studies

In this image, IPAC multimedia artist Keith Miller (left) stands next to Nobel Prize laureate John Mather (right), and both look at a color print of the Nature Astronomy cover art Miller is holding. Image credit: Harriet Brettle/Caltech-Keck Institute for Space Studies

This is a photo of the March 2026 Nature Astronomy cover with signatures from the artist, Keith Miller, and the four study leads whose work is being featured: Ahmed Soliman, Stuart Shaklan, Eliad Peretz, and John Mather. The journal's cover art depicts a ground-based telescope sending a laser to a space-borne shade that is blocking the Sun's light, making it easier to observe nearby planets. The text on the cover says "Imaging a nearby habitable world from the ground." Image credit: Harriet Brettle/Caltech-Keck Institute for Space Studies.

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Join us on Wed 4/8 for a talk from Zac Manchester of @mit.edu as he highlights the exciting capabilities of low-cost missions in the era of open-source programming, computation, networking, and autonomy. Register here: bit.ly/2026_Manches... Read more: www.kiss.caltech.edu/lectures/202...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

This topic was the subject of a recent KISS study where world-leading scientists and technologists convened at Caltech for in-depth technical discussions to develop these ideas further. Read more on the KISS website and stay tuned for the final report: www.kiss.caltech.edu/workshops/hy...

Hybrid study participants pose for a group photo in front of the Tolman Bacher House

John Mather, Eliad Peretz, Ahmed Soliman, and Stuart Shaklan pose each carrying a copy of the Nature Astronomy March cover

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Congrats KISS study leads Ahmed Soliman & Stuart Shaklan of @nasajpl.bsky.social, John Mather of NASA Goddard, & team whose work on hybrid space-ground observatories is the @natastron.nature.com cover! Thanks Keith Miller @caltechipac.bsky.social for visualizing! Read: www.nature.com/natastron/vo...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Last week, we hosted the KISS "Hybrid Space-Ground Observatories: Revolutionizing the Search for Earth-like Exoplanets" study program. We are inspired by this rockstar team and look forward to sharing updates as they develop. Visit our website for more: www.kiss.caltech.edu/programs.htm...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn of Yuk Yung’s passing. Yuk has been a dedicated member of the KISS Steering Committee for many years, providing invaluable guidance for our studies. He will be greatly missed KISS, Caltech, & beyond. Learn more about Yuk: www.caltech.edu/about/news/c...

caltech.edu

Caltech Mourns the Passing of Planetary Scientist Yuk Yung

Yuk Yung, professor of planetary science and JPL senior research scientist, passed away on March 16.

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

The KISS final report “Tracing Greenhouse Gases: A Blueprint for a Joint Meteorology and Atmospheric Composition Program," was recently highlighted by @Caltech. Visit our website to read the final report: www.kiss.caltech.edu/programs.htm...

kiss.caltech.edu

Study Programs | Keck Institute for Space Studies

KISS study programs concentrate on ideas that have the capacity for revolutionary advances in space mission capability.

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Join us on Monday, March 9th for the KISS short course "Hybrid Space-Ground Observatories: Revolutionizing the Search for Earth-Like Exoplanets". Registration is not required, seating is first-come first-served. For more information, visit: kiss.caltech.edu/short_course...

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Keck Institute for Space Studies @kiss-caltech.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

🎉 Welcome to the KISS Affiliate Program, Benjamin Breer!🚀 Ben is a EAS graduate student investigating the interaction of turbulence with detonation waves. When he is not conducting research, he enjoys hiking, backpacking, and skiing. To read more: www.kiss.caltech.edu/people/benja...

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