JPL – NASA right here in our backyard! I will fully admit to being a complete space nerd. Anything to do with celestial bodies hurtling through the vast vacuum above at thousands of miles per hour pulls me into its gravitational field. There are so many questions and mysteries about our Universe, thinking about what other planets look like on their surface, if they have one, is an artists playground.
After visiting Mount Wilson Observatory, JPL – NASA was another “must-see” destination.
What Does JPL stand for?
JPL is the acronym for Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Which in laymen’s terms means they build engine systems to make things go and go very fast. They also have developed the Mars Rovers, Satellites, Telescopes and other Robotic equipment that flies high above our heads.
Getting to JPL – NASA Laboratory
This day started over three months ago. We first had to undergo background checks. After our applications were accepted, we were given our tour date!
We arrived at the Security gate and were given directions on where to park and what building to check-in.
We walked into Visitor Reception building 249, where there is a small gift shop and restrooms. The receptionist told us we could wait inside until the tour began, which was about 15 minutes away.
I was already too distracted by some planets.
Why I Am Enamoured With Space
When we try to think about the size of the Universe and how far away everything is, things get immense! Take, for example, our little cul-de-sac in the Milky Way Galaxy. The very planet we call home could fit 1,000 times inside Jupiter. That is the largest gas giant planet in our solar system. It would then take 1,000 Jupiters to fit inside of our Sun! That means over 1 million Earths would fit inside the Sun!
That is when things on that scale start to break down in our minds. The average flight time from Los Angeles to New York City is about five and a half hours. Now, try to imagine Earth is the same size as the Sun. Now think about the journey from L.A. to New York. Not only how many hours that would take, but also all the time zone changes you would end up going through!
Things like that have me so passionate about space. The vastness, the immensity and the unanswered, especially when you realise how small our Sun is compared to not only other stars but other objects out there!
T-Minus 5 Minutes and Counting…
The tour would be meeting just outside of the reception building, so we wandered out there with a group that was gathering. Our Docent arrived and started a roll call to give out passes. Once we all had our credentials, we headed through the gates to our first destination.
We walked in a circle to enter the building on the opposite side of the fence. The first thing that greets you inside was the backup of the propulsion system for Explorer 1; the first satellite successfully launched into space by the U.S.
Immediately to the left of that, you get a sneak peek of a room filled with fascinating objects, but that must wait. First, we have to carry on forward to enter a small auditorium filled with replica satellites. We took a seat and watched a video.
After the video concluded, our Docent began to tell us about the tour, what to expect and the history of JPL itself.
A Brief History of JPL – NASA
The early years of JPL and rocket building began in the 1930s and at nearby CalTech. These rocket enthusiasts included Frank Malina, who was studying aerodynamics at CalTech. Jack Parsons, who was a self-taught Chemist and Ed Forman an excellent mechanic. These three started tinkering with building rockets and their fuel. It all seemed to be going well until they accidentally caused an explosion.
Nobody was injured but needless to say, the college was not impressed and kindly asked the three gentlemen to find somewhere else to work. Hence the current day location just outside Pasadena in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Here in the Arroyo Seco just across the way from Devil’s Gate a favourite spot of Jack Parsons, they found an area to do some tests. On the first-ever rocket test, they started a fire, purely accidentally of course, but hey, that’s what happens in the early experimentation stages.
Once they finally worked out the kinks and proved they could build and fly a rocket, the Army helped CalTech purchase the land where JPL now sits. JPL stayed under the jurisdiction of the Army until 1958 when it was then transferred to NASA. Now the agreement means NASA owns the building and CalTech manages it.
Next Room
We were then allowed some time to take photos and read about all the models in this room before moving on next door. Remember that sneak peek I mentioned earlier when entering this building, yep that’s where we went.
There were a lot of things to keep you occupied. Such as scaled models of the planets in comparison to the Sun, a Rover, rocks from space, more satellite models and even a thermal camera. As you can see, I was horrified at the image I saw on that screen.
We were then all gathered around after about 15 minutes of exploration and told we would split up into two groups. One group would take the elevators instead of the stairs so those that had mobility issues could continue with the rest of the tour.
The Clean Room
You know those rooms in the movies and on television where the scientists have to wear special suits so they won’t contaminate anything. We got to see a real-life one from above; scientists included at no extra charge! We were able to witness the building of the next Rover being sent to Mars.
Our Docent informed us about the tasks this new Rover would preform and how the search for alien life is continuing. They are even going to find out if a small drone could fly in the Martian atmosphere. If that is possible, then it will revolutionise exploration of the Red Planet. They could then fly through canyons or even ancient lava tubes. All kinds of new places would open up for further examination.
Our next quick stop. We meandered back outside, up some stairs, through a small outdoor seating area and towards the front of another building. Here inside was a full-size replica of the Mars 2020 Rover. It’s pretty big!
The Final Destination of Our JPL – NASA Tour
Our final destination of the day was the Flight Operations Facility or Mission Control! It is also a designated historical landmark. Pretty cool indeed.
You look down on the control room from the floor above and see telemetry from satellite dishes sending and receiving information all over the globe. This information can be sent and received from spacecraft and other dishes throughout the world.
We learned how satellites work and communicate with one another and about the small plaque in the centre of the room. It has been designated the Centre of the Universe, with the added joke – anyone who can disprove that theory will get a Nobel Prize.
The fun is that any place can have that designation, because if you don’t know where the end is how do you know where the centre is?
Also important to note, it didn’t look like anything was going on down there, just a few people looking at some screens. That is a good thing. It means everything is running the way it should.
With this last area finished we were escorted back to the entry gate and provided with some stickers as souvenirs.
Our Takeaway
As I mentioned in the beginning, I love space and everything to do with it. I love learning about it, thinking about it and being confused by its sheer size and mysteries.
I highly recommend taking this tour. You will learn a lot about what JPL does and how vital space research and exploration is for all humanity.
All of the elements that make us human came from out there somewhere. Which to me means the Earth may not be the only special place in the Universe. There is more out there because if life formed here, it most definitely can somewhere else.
I just hope they are taking better care of each other and the planet they call home than we are!
jpl – nasa – in a nutshell
- Address: 4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91109
- FREE public tours
- Book 3 months in advance for background check
- Wear sensible walking shoes – there’s a lot of footwork
- Tour takes approximately 2 – 2.5-hours
- Wheelchair accessible with advance notice
- Government-issued photo I.D. must be shown on entry
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 am – 4.45 pm. Closed Sat – Sun
- Free designated parking
location map
- If you are interested in the stars, you may like to visit. Mt. Wilson Observatory
- There is so much to see in and around Pasadena. To read more Must-See Places, click the link below.
- And if you fancy a trip to the infamous Area 51, then read our experience.
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