JPL
Visit Website4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91109
JPL
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a unique national research facility that carries out robotic space and Earth science missions. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to study all the planets in the solar system as well as asteroids, comets and Earth’s moon. In addition to its missions, JPL developed and manages NASA’s Deep Space Network, a worldwide system of antennas that communicates with interplanetary spacecraft.
JPL is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by Caltech. From the long history of leaders drawn from the university’s faculty to joint programs and appointments, JPL’s intellectual environment and identity are profoundly shaped by its role as part of Caltech.
Today JPL continues its world-leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space-based astronomy and technology development, while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance. JPL technology developed to enable new missions is also applied on Earth to benefit our everyday lives.
The JPL Public Services Office offers tours free of charge for groups and individuals on an advance reservation basis. Visitor parking is also available free of charge. All tours commonly include a multimedia presentation on JPL entitled “Journey to the Planets and Beyond,” which provides an overview of the Laboratory’s activities and accomplishments. Guests may also visit the von Karman Visitor Center, the Space Flight Operations Facility, and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility.
Tour TypeGroup SizeTour Description
Educational Group TourReservations must be 20 or more people.A tour designed for schools and educational groups of 20 people or more. We recommend 3rd grade and older for comprehension of information provided. On lab dining facilities / designated eating areas are not available for tour groups. There are local parks / restaurants in the immediate area. The tour lasts between 2-2.5 hours. The walking distance for the tour is approximately 0.8 miles with multiple flights of stairs. A finalized roster of attendees will need to be submitted online 3 weeks prior to the date of your tour. Any guest not on the finalized roster will not be allowed entry.
Public Group TourReservations must be 20 or more people.A tour for organizations and groups of 20 people or more. On lab dining facilities / designated eating areas are not available for tour groups. There are local parks / restaurants in the immediate area. The tour lasts between 2-2.5 hours. The walking distance for the tour is approximately 0.8 miles with multiple flights of stairs. A finalized roster of attendees will need to be submitted online 3 weeks prior to the date of your tour. Any guest not on the finalized roster will not be allowed entry.
Visitor Day Tour You can book up to 10 people maximum per reservation.For individuals and families of 10 people or less. These tours run approximately once per week on Monday or Wednesday on an alternating basis. Visitor Day Tours are generally held at 1:00 p.m. The tour lasts between 2- 2.5 hours. The walking distance for the tour is approximately 0.8 miles with multiple flights of stairs. A finalized roster of attendees will need to be submitted online 3 weeks prior to the date of your tour. Any guest not on the finalized roster will not be allowed entry to the facility.
Tour Information:
Mail Stop 186-113
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109
Ph: (818) 354-9314
› Directions to JPL
Note: All Tours are conducted in English.
JPL requires that all U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, present official, government issued photo identification (driver’s license or passport) before being allowed entry. All non-U.S. Citizens 18 years of age or older must present a passport or resident visa (green card) before being allowed entry. Individuals without proper identification will not be admitted to the Laboratory. Please be advised that tours involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing. Wheelchair access can be accommodated with advance notice, however wheelchairs cannot be provided. Don’t forget to dress for the weather as the tour will proceed rain or shine! Cameras are permitted on the facility