Caltech to Continue Managing JPL for Another 5 Years

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), in Pasadena, will continue to manage the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, in Washington DC, for another 5 years, officials from the American space agency announced recently.

The current contract ends on September 30, and had to be renewed, or another operator selected. Under the terms of the new $8.5 billion agreement, JPL will be managed by Caltech from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2017.

JPL is responsible for conducting a wide array of projects, including providing mission support for the Martian rovers (Curiosity and Opportunity), Martian orbiters (the Odyssey and MRO), the Voyager and Pioneer spacecraft, the Cassini orbiter around Saturn and many, many others.

“Through this sustained collaboration, we ensure that JPL continues to be a national resource for space exploration, scientific leadership, technology and discovery, as well as an inspiration for young scientists and engineers,” Caltech President Jean-Lou Chameau comments.

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Via: Caltech to Continue Managing JPL for Another 5 Years