Some NoIs Due 25 February 2026; Proposals Due 12 March 2026

The Call for Proposals for NASA time at the W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO) in observing semester 2026B (1 August 2026 to 31 January 2027) is now open. 

The opportunity to propose as a Principal Investigator (PI) for NASA time on the Keck Telescopes is open to all U.S.-based astronomers (i.e., those whose principal affiliation is at a U.S. institution).

Important Dates:

• 12 February 2026: NASA-Keck Call for Proposals released
• 25 February 2026: Key Strategic Mission Support (KSMS) Notices of Intent due by 4p Pacific (7p Eastern) (Section II.B.)
• 25 February 2026: Requests for letters of endorsement for Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) proposals due at NASA HQ (Section II.C.)
• 12 March 2026: All NASA-Keck proposals due by 4p Pacific (7p Eastern)
• 1 June 2026: Notification of NASA-Keck TAC results
• 1 August 2026: Start of 2026B observing semester

Please read the 2026B Semester Notes and Considerations for Keck and Subaru Instruments, and note especially the updates on KPF and SCALES.