Events
The Inauguration of President Jayawardhana celebrates the spirit of First Light, which in astronomy refers to a telescope's first observation—the threshold moment when new discovery is made possible.
The Brave New Space Age
Advance registration for The Brave New Space Age has reached capacity. A standby line will be available.
As innovation and investment expand access to orbit and return our gaze to the Moon and Mars, a new era of ambition, exploration, and discovery also raises profound questions. This public conversation explores the promise, challenges, and implications of New Space and what it means to stand on the threshold of a future rapidly coming into view.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
5:30 p.m. Interactive science and engineering displays and demonstrations from across Caltech and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), access to a new Caltech and JPL Archives exhibition, refreshments, and live music
Outside Beckman Auditorium
Panel Conversation
7:30 p.m.
Beckman Auditorium
Panelists:
Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Professor of Earth and Planetary Science and Director of the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, UC Berkeley; Principal Investigator of the NASA Psyche Mission
Jared Isaacman, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Eric Schmidt, KBE, Former CEO and Chairman, Google; Chair and CEO, Relativity Space; Co-Founder, Schmidt Sciences.
Moderator:
Jo Ling Kent, senior business and technology correspondent for CBS News
Inauguration Ceremony and Campus Celebration
This Ceremony will mark the formal installation of Ray Jayawardhana as Caltech's 10th president. The program will feature remarks by members of the Caltech Board of Trustees, faculty, and broader community; an inaugural address by President Jayawardhana; and musical performances.
Ceremony will be livestreamed and can be viewed on this website beginning at 9:45 a.m PDT.
Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary lunch and engaging demonstrations at the Campus Celebration to follow.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
10 a.m.
Beckman Mall
Campus Celebration
12 p.m.
Olive Walk