Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Overview
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a federally funded research and development center managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for NASA. Located in Pasadena, California, JPL is dedicated to the construction and operation of robotic spacecraft and conducting Earth-orbit and astronomy missions. It is also responsible for operating NASA's Deep Space Network.
History
JPL's beginnings can be traced back to the mid-1930s when a group of Caltech students and amateur rocket enthusiasts started conducting experiments in the Arroyo Seco, a canyon located near the campus. This group, known as the "Suicide Squad" due to the dangerous nature of their experiments, was led by Jack Parsons and included notable individuals such as Frank Malina and Ed Forman. Their work laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Research and Development
JPL has been involved in the development of numerous technologies and instruments that have been instrumental in the exploration of space. This includes the development of interplanetary spacecraft, Earth-orbiting satellites, and the instruments that these vehicles carry.
Missions
JPL has been involved in numerous missions that have expanded our understanding of the solar system and beyond. These include the Mars rovers, the Voyager spacecraft, and the Hubble Space Telescope, among others.
Future Projects
JPL continues to push the boundaries of space exploration with several future projects in the works. These include the Mars 2020 mission, the Europa Clipper mission, and the development of new technologies for future space exploration.