JPL Science Division
Investigating Earth, Solar System, and universe through science.
via Wikipedia: JPL Science Division · see source
The JPL Science Division investigates physical and chemical processes on the Earth, in the Solar System, and throughout the universe. Its explorations of space and terrestrial processes lead to understanding of the universe, using methods from both physical and life sciences. The division addresses techniques for scientific work pertaining to the nature of the Earth, the Solar System, the galaxy, and more.
Quick Facts
- Established
- 31 October 1936
- Research field
- Terrestrial, Extraterrestrial
- Address
- 4800 Oak Grove Drive
- City
- La Cañada Flintridge, California
- Country
- United States
- Free
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Operating agency
- Managed for NASA by Caltech
Facts from the source article.
Coverage
Research areas include studying the nature of the Martian surface, the causes and mitigation of ozone depletion and global warming in Earth's atmosphere, the search for life in and the nature and evolution of the universe. These are significant issues related to NASA's mission. Theoretical and experimental studies are conducted which lead to new missions. The division is engaged in developing new instrumentation, analyzing data, publishing new scientific knowledge, and communicating that knowledge to the general public. Not all science at JPL is contained within the Science Division—approximately 30% of JPL scientists are embedded in other divisions.
Charter and areas of research
JPL's charter is to conduct robotic space missions for NASA, to explore planetary systems, understand the origin and evolution of the universe, and make critical measurements to understand the Earth, which leads to its protection. This is accomplished by developing multidisciplinary capabilities in engineering, science, and technology. Research covers planetary, astrophysics, and Earth science, both as basic research leading to new observations and mission concepts, and as research based on data acquired by JPL flight projects. Technology research covers robotic systems, a range of in-situ and remote sensing instruments, deep space communications and navigation, information systems, precision flying, and planetary protection and survivability.
Multidisciplinary capabilities
JPL has developed capabilities to perform novel tasks with telerobotic and autonomous robotic technologies. For example, the JPL engineering team developed the Limbed Excursion Mechanical Utility Robot (LEMUR) to scale rock walls. It uses many hundreds of tiny fishhooks in each of its 16 fingers and employs artificial intelligence to work its way around obstacles. LEMUR did field testing in Death Valley, California in early 2019, climbing a route up a cliff while scanning the rock for ancient fossils from the sea that once filled the area.
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