Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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NASA research and development center

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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Formation	October 31, 1936
Type	Federally Funded Research and Development Center
Headquarters	La Cañada Flintridge, California
Membership
Language
Leader title	Director
Leader name	Laurie Leshin
Website	jpl.nasa.gov

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a NASA center located in La Cañada Flintridge, California, specializing in the construction and operation of robotic spacecraft. JPL is managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and is responsible for the design, launch, and operation of planetary robotic spacecraft, as well as the development of space exploration technologies.

History

JPL was founded in the 1930s by a group of Caltech students and professors who were interested in rocket propulsion. The laboratory's early work focused on the development of rocket engines and missile technology. During World War II, JPL developed the WAC Corporal, the first American sounding rocket to reach the edge of space.

In 1958, JPL was transferred to NASA and became the agency's primary center for the robotic exploration of the solar system. JPL has been responsible for many of NASA's most successful missions, including the Mariner, Viking, Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, and Mars Science Laboratory missions.

Missions

JPL has been involved in numerous significant space missions, including:

• Mariner program: The first successful missions to Venus and Mars.
• Viking program: The first successful landers on Mars.
• Voyager program: The first spacecraft to visit the outer planets.
• Galileo: The first spacecraft to orbit Jupiter.
• Cassini: The first spacecraft to orbit Saturn.
• Mars Science Laboratory: The mission that delivered the Curiosity rover to Mars.

Facilities

JPL's main facilities are located in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County, near the Rose Bowl stadium. The laboratory includes a number of specialized facilities, including the Space Flight Operations Facility, the JPL Spacecraft Assembly Facility, and the JPL Environmental Test Laboratory.

Research and Development

JPL conducts research and development in a variety of areas related to space exploration, including:

• Astrophysics
• Planetary science
• Earth science
• Robotics
• Artificial intelligence
• Telecommunications

Education and Outreach

JPL is committed to education and public outreach, offering a variety of programs and resources for students, educators, and the general public. These include the JPL Education Office, the JPL Open House, and the JPL Speakers Bureau.

See also

• NASA
• California Institute of Technology
• Mars Exploration Program
• Deep Space Network
• Planetary science
• Space exploration

External links

• Official JPL website

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