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Jet Propulsion Laboratory

JPL holds a unique place in the universe. We are a leader in robotic space exploration, sending rovers to Mars, probes into the farthest reaches of the solar system, and satellites to advance understanding of our home planet.

Learn more about us about Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Location

Southern California

Founded

October 31, 1936

People

6,000+

Director

Dr. Laurie Leshin

Visit JPL

Have you ever wondered were the rovers we send to Mars are built, or where spacecraft that explore the cosmos return their data to Earth? In a typical year, over 30,000 people visit NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in-person; now, you can see the Southern California facility from anywhere in the world on a virtual tour.

Explore the Virtual Tour Now about Visit JPL

Focus Areas

A leader in robotic space exploration, JPL has sent rovers to Mars, probes to our solar system’s farthest reaches, telescopes into space to study the universe, and satellites into Earth orbit to better understand our home planet.

Earth Science

Studying Earth from land, air, sea, and space to better understand and manage our dynamic planet.

Solar System

Creating robotic explorers throughout our solar system to study the complex processes that have shaped the worlds within it and whether life exists elsewhere.

This artist's illustration shows 'Oumuamua racing toward the outskirts of our solar system.

Asteroids and Comets

Pinpointing the paths of comets and asteroids that may pass close to Earth.

Universe

Exploring the deepest reaches of the universe to understand the forces that shape it and to search for new worlds beyond our solar system.

Technology

Developing technology to further our exploration of the universe and improve life on Earth.

Active Missions

Missions and instruments built or managed by JPL for NASA have visited every planet in our solar system as well as the Sun. While some provide key science data about our home planet, others have peered into the universe to locate planets around other stars.

Current missions that JPL has led or partnered on, such as GRACE-FO, the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers, and the Ingenuity Mars helicopter continue the national laboratory’s long tradition, of being on the leading edge of robotic space exploration.

Explore JPL’s Active Missions

JPL's History

With this interactive timeline, you can scroll back in time to the Lab’s beginnings in 1936 through some of its many major milestones.

Learn More about JPL's History