California Institute Of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The California Institute Of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory works on America's civil space programme, spanning robotic exploration, human spaceflight, Earth science, aeronautics research and scientific discovery. Founded in 1958 and employing more than 10,001 people across multiple centres in the United States, its remit covers telescope and space observatory technology alongside mission operations extending from Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars and the wider Solar System.

Its programme record includes the Apollo Moon landings, the Artemis programme's return of humans to the Moon, the International Space Station, an orbital laboratory operated with international partners, and the James Webb Space Telescope, built for astronomical observation. Work in each case combines systems engineering, guidance and navigation, instrumentation and large-scale data processing from spacecraft and observatories.

The organisation describes its purpose as exploring the unknown in air and space, innovating for the benefit of humanity and developing technologies that benefit life on Earth. It also frames its work as mission-driven economic activity, creating jobs and supporting businesses.