Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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Formation	N/A
Type	Federally funded research and development center
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Website	jpl.nasa.gov

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a federally funded research and development center and NASA field center located in Pasadena, California. JPL is managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The laboratory's primary function is the construction and operation of robotic planetary spacecraft, though it also conducts Earth-orbit and astronomy missions.

History

JPL was founded in the 1930s by a group of Caltech students and professors who were interested in rocketry. The laboratory was officially established in 1936 and became a part of NASA when the agency was formed in 1958. JPL's early work included the development of the WAC Corporal, the first successful American rocket to reach the edge of space.

Mission and Objectives

JPL's mission is to explore the solar system and beyond, conduct scientific research, and develop new technologies. The laboratory is responsible for many of NASA's robotic missions, including the Mars Rover missions, the Voyager program, and the Galileo spacecraft.

Notable Projects

• Mars Science Laboratory: JPL designed and manages the Curiosity Rover, which landed on Mars in 2012 to explore the planet's climate and geology.
• Voyager Program: Launched in 1977, the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft have provided valuable data about the outer planets and are now in interstellar space.
• Cassini–Huygens: A collaboration with the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency, this mission studied Saturn and its moons from 2004 to 2017.

Facilities

JPL's main campus is located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena. The laboratory includes a number of specialized facilities, such as the Space Flight Operations Facility, which is the mission control center for JPL's spacecraft, and the Mars Yard, a testing ground for Mars rovers.

Research and Development

JPL is involved in a wide range of research and development activities, including the development of new propulsion systems, advanced robotics, and remote sensing technologies. The laboratory also conducts research in planetary science, astrophysics, and Earth science.

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. The laboratory hosts public tours, lectures, and events, and provides educational materials and resources online.

Also see

• NASA
• California Institute of Technology
• Mars Rover
• Voyager Program
• Cassini–Huygens