Robert J. Twiggs, Professor

Bob Twiggs, Advisor to the Taksha Institute for Science and Technology (TIST) and Chairman of the Taksha Small Satellite and Space Systems Institute (4SI) within TIST, is concurrently a professor of Astronautical Engineering at Morehead State University in Kentucky since 2009, responsible for developing the space systems curriculum for students interested in designing, building, and operating small space experiments. Prior to that, he was a consulting professor in the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department at Stanford University for 14 years. Prof. Twiggs helped develop the original concepts for the CricketSat, CanSat, CubeSat, and the PocketQub for educational applications for use in space — from party balloons for fun to real rocket launches into earth-orbiting space.

In August 2010, Space News publication selected him as one of 10 international space professionals that “Made a Difference in Space,” along with Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX) and US President Barack Obama, the only other two US professionals named for this honor.

Welcome to Taksha Institute!

Originally founded in 1976 by Adarsh Deepak, PhD, as the Institute for Atmospheric Optic and Remote Sensing (IFAORS), TakshaShila Institute (doing business as "Taksha Institute," "Taksha," or "TI") remains a dynamic, not-for-profit [501(c)3] tax-exempt, independent minority institution of advanced research and learning, with the addition of non-technical subject matter, since its inception. As a non-degree giving, non-diploma awarding institution, TI is engaged in cutting-edge research projects and learning opportunities in the form of workshops, seminars, and other events, for all ages (from kindergarten to life-long learning), for personal or professional growth and enhancement.

Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia (US), Taksha has its headquarters in Hampton, VA, with a West Coast/Silicon Valley, CA office. From its inception, TI has been supported entirely by R&D meetings management contracts with the federal government, industry, and UN organizations; the collection of registration fees for events; and donations from industry and private parties.

As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational institution, your charitable contribution to Taksha Institute is tax deductible, and any registration fees, sales, or other income go to the support of our education and research programs and projects. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to Taksha to help support our unique programs, and click here or on the "Contribute to Taksha" button on the navigation bar above!

Registration is Easy! Admission is open, test-free, and regardless of education, gender, age, race, or religion. To sign up for our events, simply click on the appropriate button to the left or on the "Events" tab on the banner above, then locate and click on the event of your choice. There, you will find pertinent information for that event, including dates, venue, fees, and agenda, along with a registration link or other registration instructions.

Want to Know More?

Click on a tab or button on this page for more information, or contact us at contact@taksha.org.