Investigating physical and chemical processes -

• on the Earth,
• in the solar system, and
• throughout the universe...

Explorations of space and terrestrial processes help further our understanding of the universe in which we live. Scientific challenges regarding the nature of the Earth, the solar system, the galaxy, and beyond are addressed by utilizing techniques in both physical and life sciences.

Research areas include studying the nature of the Martian surface, the causes and mitigation of ozone depletion and global warming in Earth's atmosphere, the search for life in and the nature and evolution of the universe - all vital issues related to NASA's mission.

Scientists conduct theoretical and experimental studies leading to new missions. They are engaged in the development of new instrumentation and in the analysis of data, publishing new scientific knowledge, and in the communication of that knowledge to the general public.

Approximately 20% of JPL scientists are embedded in other organizations - and their work may be found here.