Exploring the frontiers of the universe

Groundbreaking research, cutting-edge technology, and award-winning faculty – MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research offers a dynamic environment to pursue higher education and perform high-impact topical research.

Explore the research Meet our people

Recent news

MIT is lending its support to the Giant Magellan Telescope, joining the international consortium to advance the $2.6 billion observatory in Chile.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
MIT News

MIT joins in constructing the Giant Magellan Telescope

A photo of Swati Ravi with her quilt on the table.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
MKI News

Quilting with Astrophysicists

This illustration portrays GW250114, a powerful collision between two black holes recently observed in gravitational waves. Ten years after LIGO’s landmark detection of the first gravitational waves, the observatory’s improved detectors allowed it to “hear” this celestial collision with unprecedented clarity. Though only LIGO was online during GW250114, it now routinely operates as part of a network with other gravitational-wave detectors, including Europe’s Virgo and Japan’s KAGRA.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
MIT News

Ten years later, LIGO is a black-hole hunting machine

View all news

Upcoming events

October 20, 2025
Monday Afternoon Science Talks

Peter Scherbak & Saugata Barat

A photo of Matt McQuinn.
October 21, 2025
Astrophysics Colloquium

Matt McQuinn

Interior view of Starlab, a portable inflatable planetarium, showing a dark dome-shaped space with projected stars and constellations on the ceiling.
October 26, 2025
Public Outreach Event

PruBoo: Space Views

View all events

Pioneering space exploration and research since 1961

Since its founding in 1963, the MIT Kavli Institute has led groundbreaking space science, from building instruments for missions like TESS and Chandra to advancing major observatories worldwide. Renamed in 2004 with support from the Kavli Foundation, MKI continues to push the boundaries of discovery. Explore our history to see the journey.

Discover More...