Known as JPL, the Jet Propulsion Lab is a federally funded research and development center and NASA field center. Located just five miles from GreenTree Pasadena Inn , JPL often has open houses or special events, which showcase their work.
JPL offers tours free of charge for groups and individuals with advanced reservations. Public tours include a multi-media presentation on JPL called, “Journey to the Planets and Beyond.” The presentation helps provide an overview of the labs activities and accomplishments. Guests are also invited to visit the Von Karman Visitor Center, the Space Flight Operations Facility, and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility.
JPL began in the mid-1930’s when a few Caltech students and amateur rocket enthusiasts began tinkering with rockets. Following an accidental explosion on campus, the group relocated to a more isolated area at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, which is the present-day site of JPL.