JPL Mission Success 2012

2012 saw a new space-based telescope — the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR — join our fleet of off-world observatories scrutinizing the universe across the energy spectrum. These promise science returns ranging from studies of black holes to the quest for Earth-like planets around other stars,and even findings that can help us understand the mystery of dark energy. Throughout the year, the Deep Space Network made progress on modernizing its stable of antenna dishes on three continents, and we embarked on important technology initiatives to enable missions of the future. JPL’s reimbursable program focused on strategic technology thrust areas in advanced imagery, information and data science, robotics and autonomy, and energy. Coupled with potential space and airborne flight missions with our federal and commercial partners, the laboratory is well positioned to help solve problems of national significance.