diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci_testing.yml b/.github/workflows/ci_testing.yml
index b88b3d0b2..42b84cf3b 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci_testing.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci_testing.yml
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ jobs:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
        os: [ubuntu-latest, macos-13]
-       python-version: ["3.9", "3.10", "3.11"]
+       python-version: ["3.10", "3.11"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash -l {0}
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 6d0d8c810..093fa4c87 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -35,6 +35,9 @@ release.
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+### Added
+- Added optional boolean flag `remove_kernels` to the `props` dict in the `loads()` func to allow the user to add the `kernels` key in the output ISD. Added the `misc` kernel key for user-entered kernels. Format the kernels value to always be dict type in ISD generation. [#675](https://github.com/DOI-USGS/ale/pull/675)
+
 ## [1.0.2]
 
 - Fixed bug where generic CH2 kernels were using for TMC-2 [#672](https://github.com/DOI-USGS/ale/pull/672)
diff --git a/ale/base/data_naif.py b/ale/base/data_naif.py
index cacff43d5..b6fd7426a 100644
--- a/ale/base/data_naif.py
+++ b/ale/base/data_naif.py
@@ -86,7 +86,19 @@ def kernels(self):
                 try:
                     self._kernels = kernel_access.get_kernels_from_isis_pvl(self._props['kernels'])
                 except Exception as e:
-                    self._kernels =  self._props['kernels']
+                    if isinstance(self._props['kernels'], list):
+                        self._kernels = { "misc": self._props['kernels'] }
+                    elif isinstance(self._props['kernels'], dict):
+                        for k,v in self._props['kernels'].items():
+                            # check that the keys are valid kernel types
+                            if k not in ["ck", "spk", "tspk", "fk", "ik", "iak", "pck", "lsk", "sclk"]:
+                                raise ValueError(f"Unknown kernel type: {k}")
+                            # check that kernel values are in list format
+                            if not isinstance(v, list):
+                                raise ValueError(f"Kernels for {k} must be in list format.")
+                        self._kernels = self._props['kernels']
+                    else:
+                        self._kernels = self._props['kernels']
             elif self.search_kernels == True:
                 _, kernels = pyspiceql.searchForKernelsets([self.spiceql_mission, self.target_name, "base"], startTime=self.ephemeris_start_time, stopTime=self.ephemeris_stop_time, useWeb=self.use_web)
                 self._kernels = kernels  
diff --git a/ale/drivers/__init__.py b/ale/drivers/__init__.py
index 6e1284f76..1c9cb0974 100644
--- a/ale/drivers/__init__.py
+++ b/ale/drivers/__init__.py
@@ -150,6 +150,8 @@ def load(label, props={}, formatter='ale', verbose=False, only_isis_spice=False,
             res.instrument_id
             with res as driver:
                 isd = formatter(driver)
+                if 'attach_kernels' in props and props['attach_kernels'] is False and 'kernels' in isd:
+                    del isd['kernels']
                 if verbose:
                     logger.info(f"Success with: {driver.__class__.__name__}")
                     logger.info(f"ISD:\n{json.dumps(isd, indent=2, cls=AleJsonEncoder)}")
diff --git a/ale/formatters/formatter.py b/ale/formatters/formatter.py
index c19f0fa46..d68f0d84c 100644
--- a/ale/formatters/formatter.py
+++ b/ale/formatters/formatter.py
@@ -207,12 +207,30 @@ def to_isd(driver):
         raise Exception('No CSM sensor model name found!')
 
     # remove extra qualities
-    # TODO: Rewuires SpiceQL API update to get relative kernels
-    # if driver.kernels and isinstance(driver.kernels, dict): 
-    #     isd["kernels"] = {k: v for k, v in driver.kernels.items() if not "_quality" in k or driver.spiceql_mission in k }
-    # elif driver.kernels and isinstance(driver.kernels, list): 
-    #     isd["kernels"] = driver.kernels
-    # else: 
-    #     isd["kernels"] = {}
+    if 'kernels' in driver_data and isinstance(driver.kernels, dict):
+        for k,v in driver.kernels.items():
+            # check that the keys are valid kernel types or quality types
+            if k not in ["ck", "spk", "tspk", "fk", "ik", "iak", "pck", "lsk", "sclk", "misc", driver.spiceql_mission+"_spk_quality", driver.spiceql_mission+"_ck_quality"]:
+                raise ValueError(f"Kernels key [{k}] is not valid.")
+            if k in ["ck", "spk", "tspk", "fk", "ik", "iak", "pck", "lsk", "sclk", "misc"]:
+                if not isinstance(v, list):
+                    raise ValueError(f"Kernel [{k}] must be set to a list of kernels.")
+                isd["kernels"] = driver.kernels
+            elif k in [driver.spiceql_mission+"_spk_quality", driver.spiceql_mission+"_ck_quality"]:
+                if not isinstance(v, str):
+                    raise ValueError(f"Kernel quality type [{k}] must be set to a string.")
+        isd["kernels"] = driver.kernels #{k: v for k, v in driver.kernels.items() if not "_quality" in k and not driver.spiceql_mission in k }
+    elif 'kernels' in driver_data and isinstance(driver.kernels, list): 
+        kernels_dict  = {}
+        for k in driver.kernels:
+            k_split = k.split('/')
+            k_type = k_split[2]
+            if k_type in kernels_dict and isinstance(kernels_dict[k_type], list):
+                kernels_dict[k_type].append(k)
+            else:
+                kernels_dict.update({k_type: [k]})
+        isd["kernels"] = kernels_dict
+    else: 
+        isd["kernels"] = {}
 
     return isd
diff --git a/environment.yml b/environment.yml
index 2bb91adcd..48f8e53eb 100644
--- a/environment.yml
+++ b/environment.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: ale
+# name: ale
 channels:
   - conda-forge
 
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ dependencies:
   - networkx
   - nlohmann_json
   - numpy
-  - spiceql>=1.2.4
+  - spiceql=1.2.4=*_6
   - pvl
   - pytest
   - pytest-cov
diff --git a/tests/pytests/conftest.py b/tests/pytests/conftest.py
index 8dc32ab2f..63a1213d5 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/conftest.py
@@ -218,10 +218,10 @@ def convert_kernels(kernels):
                     warnings.warn('Failed to convert transfer kernel, ' + kernel + ', skipping...')
                 else:
                     kernel = matches.group(1)
-                    binary_kernels.append(kernel)
+                    binary_kernels.append(os.path.abspath(kernel))
             except:
                 raise Exception(f"Unable to convert {path} to binary kernel")
-        updated_kernels.append(kernel)
+        updated_kernels.append(os.path.abspath(kernel))
     
     # Sort Kernels
     # Ensure that the ISIS Addendum kernel is last in case it overrides
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_apollo_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_apollo_drivers.py
index 362aae142..61f6f33b4 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_apollo_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_apollo_drivers.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def test_kernels():
 def test_load(test_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('AS15-M-1450', 'isis3')
     compare_dict = get_isd("apollometric")
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
     print("======================")
@@ -31,6 +31,39 @@ def test_load(test_kernels):
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
 
 
+def test_load_kernels(test_kernels):
+    label_file = get_image_label('AS15-M-1450', 'isis3')
+    compare_dict = get_isd("apollometric")
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels}, verbose=True)
+    isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
+    print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
+    print("======================")
+    print(json.dumps(compare_dict, indent=2))
+    assert isd_obj['kernels']
+    assert type(isd_obj['kernels']) == dict
+    assert isd_obj['kernels']['misc']
+    assert type(isd_obj['kernels']['misc']) == list
+
+
+def test_bad_kernels():
+    label_file = get_image_label('AS15-M-1450', 'isis3')
+
+    # test invalid kernel type
+    kernels_dict = {"ck": "test_ck", "spk": "test_spk", "unknown": "test_unknown"}
+    with pytest.raises(Exception) as e:
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': kernels_dict}, verbose=True)
+    
+    # test invalid kernel quality type
+    kernels_dict = {"ck": "test_ck", "spk": "test_spk", "abc_ck_quality": "test_unknown_quality"}
+    with pytest.raises(Exception) as e:
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': kernels_dict}, verbose=True)
+    
+    # test invalid kernel value
+    kernels_dict = {"ck": "test_ck", "spk": "test_spk"}
+    with pytest.raises(Exception) as e:
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': kernels_dict}, verbose=True)
+
+
 class test_isis3_naif(unittest.TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         label = get_image_label("AS15-M-1450", "isis3")
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_cassini_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_cassini_drivers.py
index 3c8f8bd35..32056af59 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_cassini_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_cassini_drivers.py
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ def test_load_pds(test_iss_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label("N1702360370_1")
     compare_dict = get_isd("cassiniiss")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_iss_kernels}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_iss_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ def read_detached_table(table_label, cube):
         return get_table_data("N1702360370_1", table_label["Name"])
 
     with patch('ale.base.data_isis.read_table_data', side_effect=read_detached_table):
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file)
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
     x = compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict)
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ def test_load_iss_isis_naif(test_iss_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label("N1702360370_1")
     compare_dict = get_isd("cassiniiss")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": test_iss_kernels})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": test_iss_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
     x = compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict)
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ def test_load_vims_isis_naif(test_vims_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label("v1514284191_1_vis", label_type="isis")
     compare_dict = get_isd("cassinivims")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": test_vims_kernels}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": test_vims_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
     x = compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict)
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_chandrayaan_driver.py b/tests/pytests/test_chandrayaan_driver.py
index 2ee71f142..dde52ad19 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_chandrayaan_driver.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_chandrayaan_driver.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ def test_chandrayaan_load(m3_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label("M3T20090630T083407_V03_RDN", label_type="isis")
     compare_dict = get_isd("chandrayannM3")
     print("kernels: ", m3_kernels)
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": m3_kernels}, verbose=False)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": m3_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=False)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(isd_str)
     x = compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict)
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ def test_chandrayaan_mrffr_load(mrffr_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label("fsb_00720_1cd_xhu_84n209_v1", label_type="isis3")
     compare_dict = get_isd("chandrayaan_mrffr")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": mrffr_kernels, "nadir": True}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": mrffr_kernels, "nadir": True, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     x = compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict)
     assert x == []
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ def test_chandrayaan_m3_pds_load(m3_kernels):
 
     # Patch the full path of the timing table onto the driver
     with patch("ale.drivers.chandrayaan_drivers.Chandrayaan1M3Pds3NaifSpiceDriver.utc_time_table", os.path.dirname(label_file)+"/M3T20090630T083407_V03_TIM_cropped.TAB"):
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": m3_kernels, "nadir": True})
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": m3_kernels, "nadir": True, 'attach_kernels': False})
         isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
         print(isd_obj)
         print(compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict))
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_clementine_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_clementine_drivers.py
index f3232980e..0dc67d3e9 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_clementine_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_clementine_drivers.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ def test_uvvis_kernels():
 
 def test_uvvis_load(test_uvvis_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('LUA3107H.161', 'isis3')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_uvvis_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_uvvis_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     compare_isd = get_isd('clem_uvvis')
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_isd) == []
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ def test_hires_kernels():
 
 def test_hires_load(test_hires_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('LHA0775Q.001', 'isis3')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_hires_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_hires_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     compare_isd = get_isd('clem_hires')
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_isd) == []
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ def test_nir_kernels():
 
 def test_nir_load(test_nir_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('LNB4653M.093', 'isis3')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_nir_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_nir_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     compare_isd = get_isd('clem_nir')
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_isd) == []
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ def test_lwir_kernels():
 
 def test_lwir_load(test_lwir_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('LLA5391Q.209', 'isis3')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_lwir_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_lwir_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     compare_isd = get_isd('clem_lwir')
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_isd) == []
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_dawn_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_dawn_drivers.py
index 81b73233b..7bf0e30cb 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_dawn_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_dawn_drivers.py
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ def test_fc_load(fc_kernels, label_type):
 
     label_file = get_image_label(label_prefix_file, label_type=label_type)
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': fc_kernels})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': fc_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     # print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ def test_vir_load(vir_kernels):
 
         compare_dict = get_isd("dawnvir")
         
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": vir_kernels, "nadir": False}, verbose=False)
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={"kernels": vir_kernels, "nadir": False, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=False)
         print(isd_str)
         isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
         x = compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict)
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_galileo_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_galileo_drivers.py
index b3125d992..5ac6fea30 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_galileo_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_galileo_drivers.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def test_galileo_load(test_kernels, label_type, kernel_type):
         isd_str = ale.loads(label_file)
         compare_isd = get_isd('galileossi_isis')
     else:
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels})
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
         compare_isd = get_isd('galileossi')
 
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_hayabusa2_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_hayabusa2_drivers.py
index 084c9c62c..2e47f10e9 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_hayabusa2_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_hayabusa2_drivers.py
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ def test_kernels():
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("label_type", ['isis3'])
 def test_hayabusa_load(test_kernels, label_type):
     label_file = get_image_label('hyb2_onc_20151203_084458_w2f_l2a', label_type)
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels}, verbose=False)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=False)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     compare_dict = get_isd('hayabusa2')
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_hayabusa_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_hayabusa_drivers.py
index 07b3f95d0..f25834e8e 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_hayabusa_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_hayabusa_drivers.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ def test_amica_load(test_amica_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('st_2458542208_v', 'isis')
     compare_dict = get_isd("hayabusaamica")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_amica_kernels})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_amica_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
 
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ def test_nirs_load(test_nirs_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('2392975548_lvl3_0', 'isis')
     compare_dict = get_isd("hayabusanirs")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_nirs_kernels}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_nirs_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
 
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_juno_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_juno_drivers.py
index 0dc0df43c..2ac4422c7 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_juno_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_juno_drivers.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ def test_kernels():
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("label_type", ['isis3'])
 def test_juno_load(test_kernels, label_type):
     label_file = get_image_label('JNCR_2016240_01M06152_V01', label_type)
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     compare_dict = get_isd('juno')
     # print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_kaguya_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_kaguya_drivers.py
index 5ca7bd472..9845e01b7 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_kaguya_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_kaguya_drivers.py
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ def test_kaguya_load(test_kernels, label_type, image):
         compare_isd = get_isd(image_dict[image])
     label_file = get_image_label(image, label_type)
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image]}, verbose=False)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=False)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
 
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_isd) == []
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_lo_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_lo_drivers.py
index 0726b7cc1..0f6bed49f 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_lo_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_lo_drivers.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ def test_high_load(test_high_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('3133_high_res_1', 'isis')
     compare_dict = get_isd("lohighcamera")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_high_kernels}, verbose=False)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_high_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=False)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ def test_medium_load(test_medium_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('3133_med_res', 'isis')
     compare_dict = get_isd("lomediumcamera")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_medium_kernels}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_medium_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_lro_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_lro_drivers.py
index 0cf115360..f68e08447 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_lro_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_lro_drivers.py
@@ -45,11 +45,11 @@ def test_kernels():
 def test_load_lroc_nac(test_kernels, label_type, image, kernel_type):
     if kernel_type == 'naif':
         label_file = get_image_label(image, label_type)
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image]}, verbose=False)
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=False)
         compare_isd = image_dict[image]
     else:
         label_file = get_image(image)
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file)
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'attach_kernels': False})
         compare_isd = get_isd('lro_isis')
     print(isd_str)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ def test_load_lroc_nac(test_kernels, label_type, image, kernel_type):
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("image", ['wac0000a1c4.uv.even'])
 def test_load_lroc_wac(test_kernels, label_type, image, kernel_type):
     label_file = get_image_label(image, label_type)
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image]})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'attach_kernels': False})
     compare_isd = image_dict[image]
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj))
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ def test_load_lroc_wac(test_kernels, label_type, image, kernel_type):
 # Test load of MiniRF labels
 def test_load_minirf(test_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('03821_16N196_S1', 'isis3')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels['03821_16N196_S1']})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels['03821_16N196_S1'], 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     comparison = compare_dicts(isd_obj, image_dict['03821_16N196_S1'])
     assert comparison == []
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_mariner_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_mariner_drivers.py
index 951aac381..9a99a43f1 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_mariner_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_mariner_drivers.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ def test_mariner10_load(test_mariner10_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('27265', 'isis')
     compare_dict = get_isd("mariner10")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mariner10_kernels})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mariner10_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
     
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_mdis_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_mdis_drivers.py
index 0d19c4243..da768ab55 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_mdis_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_mdis_drivers.py
@@ -29,11 +29,11 @@ def test_kernels():
 def test_load(test_kernels, label_type, image, kernel_type):
     if(kernel_type == "naif"):
         label_file = get_image_label(image, label_type)
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels})
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
         compare_isd = image_dict[image]
     else: 
         label_file = get_image(image)
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file)
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'attach_kernels': False})
         compare_isd = get_isd("messmdis_isis")
 
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_mex_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_mex_drivers.py
index e2e7e4cda..39c698189 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_mex_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_mex_drivers.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ def test_mex_hrsc_kernels(scope="module", autouse=True):
 def test_mex_src_load(test_mex_src_kernels, label):
     label_file = get_image_label("H0010_0023_SR2", label)
     compare_dict = get_isd("mexsrc")
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mex_src_kernels}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mex_src_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ def test_mex_load(test_mex_hrsc_kernels, label):
         binary_exposure_durations.return_value = [0.012800790786743165, 0.012800790786743165, 0.013227428436279297]
         binary_lines.return_value = [0.5, 6664.5, 6665.5]
 
-        usgscsm_isd = ale.load(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mex_hrsc_kernels})
+        usgscsm_isd = ale.load(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mex_hrsc_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
         if label == "isis3":
           compare_isd = get_isd('mexhrsc_isis')
         else:
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_mgs_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_mgs_drivers.py
index c6b49b60f..e3e2d08e6 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_mgs_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_mgs_drivers.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ def test_nac_load(test_nac_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('m0402852', 'isis')
     compare_dict = get_isd("mgsmocna")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_nac_kernels})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_nac_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
 
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ def test_wac_load(test_wac_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('ab102401', 'isis3')
     compare_dict = get_isd("mgsmocwa")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_wac_kernels})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_wac_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
 
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_mro_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_mro_drivers.py
index f9933d21e..eb87a3ba7 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_mro_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_mro_drivers.py
@@ -51,10 +51,10 @@ def test_mro_ctx_load(test_ctx_kernels, label_type, kernel_type):
 
     if label_type == 'isis3' and kernel_type == 'isis':
         label_file = get_image('B10_013341_1010_XN_79S172W')
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file)
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'attach_kernels': False})
         compare_isd = get_isd('ctx_isis')
     else:
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_ctx_kernels}, verbose=True)
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_ctx_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
         compare_isd = get_isd('ctx')
 
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ def test_mro_ctx_load(test_ctx_kernels, label_type, kernel_type):
 def test_mro_hirise_load(test_hirise_kernels, label_type, kernel_type):
     label_file = get_image_label("PSP_001446_1790_BG12_0", label_type)
     
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_hirise_kernels}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_hirise_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     compare_isd = get_isd('hirise')
 
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ def test_mro_hirise_load(test_hirise_kernels, label_type, kernel_type):
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("label_type, kernel_type", [('isis3', 'naif')])
 def test_mro_marci_load(test_marci_kernels, label_type, kernel_type):
     label_file = get_image_label('U02_071865_1322_MA_00N193W', label_type)
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_marci_kernels})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_marci_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False})
 
     compare_isd = get_isd('marci')
 
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ def test_mro_marci_load(test_marci_kernels, label_type, kernel_type):
 
 def test_mro_crism_load(test_crism_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('FRT00003B73_01_IF156S_TRR2', 'isis3')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_crism_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_crism_kernels, 'exact_ck_times': False, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     compare_isd = get_isd('crism')
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj))
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_msi_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_msi_drivers.py
index adb248d3c..9fa45ecc6 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_msi_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_msi_drivers.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ def test_kernels():
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("label_type", ['isis'])
 def test_msi_load(test_kernels, label_type):
     label_file = get_image_label('m0126888978f7_2p', label_type)
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels}, verbose=True)
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels, 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     compare_dict = get_isd('msi')
     print(json.dumps(isd_obj, indent=2))
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_msl_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_msl_drivers.py
index a4cba84a8..46189750e 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_msl_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_msl_drivers.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ def test_msl_mastcam_load_local(test_mastcam_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('2264ML0121141200805116C00_DRCL', "pds3")
     compare_dict = get_isd("msl")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mastcam_kernels, 'local': True})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mastcam_kernels, 'local': True, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ def test_msl_mastcam_load_nadir(test_mastcam_kernels):
     label_file = get_image_label('2264ML0121141200805116C00_DRCL', "pds3")
     compare_dict = get_isd("msl_nadir")
 
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mastcam_kernels, 'nadir': True})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_mastcam_kernels, 'nadir': True, 'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
 
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_newhorizons_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_newhorizons_drivers.py
index 3a2334ca1..e685ca741 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_newhorizons_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_newhorizons_drivers.py
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ def test_kernels():
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("image", ['lor_0034974380_0x630_sci_1'])
 def test_nhlorri_load(test_kernels, image):
     label_file = get_image_label(image, 'isis')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image]})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'attach_kernels': False})
     compare_isd = image_dict[image]
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     comparison = compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_isd)
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def test_nhlorri_load(test_kernels, image):
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("image", ['lsb_0296962438_0x53c_eng'])
 def test_nhleisa_load(test_kernels, image):
     label_file = get_image_label(image, 'isis')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image]})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'attach_kernels': False})
     compare_isd = image_dict[image]
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     comparison = compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_isd)
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ def test_nhleisa_load(test_kernels, image):
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("image", ['mpf_0295610274_0x539_sci'])
 def test_nhmvic_load(test_kernels, image):
     label_file = get_image_label(image, 'isis')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'exact_ck_times': False})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'exact_ck_times': False, 'attach_kernels': False})
     compare_isd = image_dict[image]
 
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ def test_nhmvic_load(test_kernels, image):
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("image", ['mc3_0034948318_0x536_sci_1'])
 def test_nhmvictdi_load(test_kernels, image):
     label_file = get_image_label(image, 'isis')
-    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image]})
+    isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'attach_kernels': False})
     compare_isd = image_dict[image]
     isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
     assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_isd) == []
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_rosetta_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_rosetta_drivers.py
index a241db500..ec9acd339 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_rosetta_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_rosetta_drivers.py
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ def test_load(test_kernels, label_type, image):
     patch('ale.drivers.rosetta_drivers.RosettaVirtisIsisLabelNaifSpiceDriver.optical_angle', opt_ang):
 
         label_file = get_image_label(image, label_type)
-        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image]})
+        isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'attach_kernels': False})
         isd_obj = json.loads(isd_str)
         compare_dict = image_dict[image]
         assert compare_dicts(isd_obj, compare_dict) == []
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_viking_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_viking_drivers.py
index f3d334ce4..ccf165b48 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_viking_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_viking_drivers.py
@@ -268,10 +268,10 @@ def test_viking1_load(test_kernels, label_type, kernel_type, image):
     label_file = get_image_label(image, label_type)
     if kernel_type == "naif":
         label_file = get_image_label(image, label_type)
-        isd = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image]}, verbose=True)
+        isd = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=True)
     else:
         label_file = os.path.join(data_root, "{}/{}.cub".format(image, image))
-        isd = ale.loads(label_file)
+        isd = ale.loads(label_file, props={'attach_kernels': False})
     isd_name = image
     if kernel_type == "isis":
         isd_name = isd_name + '_isis'
diff --git a/tests/pytests/test_voyager_drivers.py b/tests/pytests/test_voyager_drivers.py
index 74c76c96d..7c8551904 100644
--- a/tests/pytests/test_voyager_drivers.py
+++ b/tests/pytests/test_voyager_drivers.py
@@ -303,7 +303,7 @@ def test_voyager_load(test_kernels, label_type, image):
     print(test_kernels[image])
     label_file = get_image_label(image, label_type)
 
-    usgscsm_isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image]}, verbose=False)
+    usgscsm_isd_str = ale.loads(label_file, props={'kernels': test_kernels[image], 'attach_kernels': False}, verbose=False)
     usgscsm_isd_obj = json.loads(usgscsm_isd_str)
 
     isd_name = image