The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL, is a research and development center located in Pasadena, California. It is managed by the California Institute of Technology and is primarily focused on the design and operation of robotic spacecraft. JPL is known for its contributions to space exploration, including missions to planets, moons, and asteroids. Founded in the 1930s, JPL has played a key role in many significant space missions, such as the Mars rovers and the Voyager spacecraft. The laboratory conducts scientific research and develops technology to advance our understanding of the universe, making it a vital part of the NASA space program.