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Research at JPL

At JPL, our guiding objective is to be at the forefront of scientific discovery and provide benefit to humanity through innovative missions, technology, and research. The Office of Research and Development (ORD) is the caretaker of the research enterprise within JPL, which spans Earth Science, Planetary Science, Astrophysics and Space Science, and enabling technology.

Tofua Island, Tonga Islands

Research Topics

Earth Science

Earth scientists at JPL conduct research and help develop instruments and missions to characterize and understand the atmosphere, land, and oceans on our home planet to make better predictions of future changes. An overview of this research topic, including projects and the associated people involved can be found on the JPL Science website.

Visit the JPL Earth Science site
Europa Clipper in the Shadow of Jupiter (Artist's Concept)

Research Topics

Planetary Science

Planetary scientists advance our understanding of the planets, satellites and smaller bodies in the solar system through ground based research and robotic exploration. An overview of this research topic, including projects and the associated people involved can be found on the JPL Science website.

Read more about Solar System Exploration at JPL
Roman Coronagraph Digging the Dark Hole

Research Topics

Astrophysics and Space Science

Astrophysics and space science studies phenomena from the heliospheric environment to the edge of the universe. An overview of this research topic, including projects and the associated people involved can be found on the JPL Science website.

Check out the Astronomy and Physics site
Arctic Test for JPL's IceNode Prototype

Research Topics

Technology

In order to achieve our scientific objectives, technology research spans a multitude of fields that support the future of space exploration at JPL.