Established in 1936, JPL has played a crucial role in developing America’s early space missions, including Explorer 1, the country’s first satellite. The mission discovered the radiation belts surrounding Earth, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and establishing JPL’s place in the development of American space technology.
Over the decades, the laboratory has contributed to several other historic achievements. These include Ranger 7, America’s first mission to the Moon, and the first missions to visit all four gas giants. These milestones reflect JPL’s longstanding role in advancing planetary exploration and developing technologies for missions beyond Earth.
JPL Director Dave Gallagher highlighted the importance of these achievements while pointing to plans for future missions intended to push the boundaries of space exploration. The laboratory’s upcoming projects include missions targeting Mars, the Moon and solar activity, alongside initiatives focused on planetary defence and environmental monitoring.
In 2028, JPL plans to launch the SkyFall mission, which will send three helicopters over Mars to map ice deposits and analyse weather patterns. The mission is intended to investigate conditions on the planet through aerial exploration and the study of its environment.
Another planned project, MoonFall, will deploy large drones to the Moon’s South Pole to support the development of NASA’s lunar base. The mission is part of the laboratory’s broader work on technologies intended to support future lunar exploration and operations.
JPL is also developing SunRISE, a mission that will use small satellites to study solar activity. Its findings are expected to contribute to efforts to improve the safety of human space exploration by advancing the understanding of activity on the Sun.
Beyond planetary and solar research, JPL is working on missions aimed at protecting Earth and improving understanding of climate change. The NEO Surveyor mission will search for potentially hazardous objects in space, while other projects will monitor water movement and examine the impact of air pollution on human health.
As JPL celebrates 90 years of operations, Caltech and the laboratory continue to advance NASA’s priorities and support America’s leadership in space exploration. Caltech President Ray Jayawardhana said the spirit of daring that began with Caltech students in 1936 continues to open new frontiers and inspire humanity.
The anniversary marks nine decades of technological innovation and scientific achievements, while the laboratory’s planned missions signal its continued focus on exploring other worlds, studying solar activity and addressing challenges that affect Earth.
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