Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Four themed experiences: What Explore JPL will showcase
4. JPL’s 90-year arc: milestones that shaped modern robotic exploration
5. Facilities visitors will enter and what they reveal about mission work
6. How ticketing will work and tactics to secure a spot
7. Rules, security screening and items you cannot bring
8. How to plan a two-day visit: timing, priorities and itinerary tips
9. Accessibility, accommodations and special needs
10. What to expect inside the Space Flight Operations Facility
11. Robotics on display: from scouts to search-and-rescue tools
12. Microdevices, materials and the art of miniaturization
13. The role of public engagement: why open houses matter
14. Virtual alternatives: how to explore JPL without a ticket
15. Safety, ethics and photography: what you can share
16. What past visitors have found most memorable
17. Practical checklist for attending Explore JPL
18. The scientific and cultural footprint of JPL missions — examples that bring exhibits to life
19. How to use the virtual tour as preparation
20. Media and communications: if you need more than a public visit
21. Ethical considerations and stewardship of public understanding
22. Looking beyond the open house: ways to stay engaged
23. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Explore JPL will open its Pasadena campus to the public on Oct. 10–11, 2026, with free, limited tickets released Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. PDT; visitors choose specific time slots and names for each ticket (maximum five per requestor).
• Guests can tour landmark facilities — including the Space Flight Operations Facility and Spacecraft Assembly Facility — and experience four themed areas: Missions That Changed the World, Moon to Mars, In Flight, and Makerspace.
• Strict security and safety rules will apply: government ID required for adults, prohibited items and no backpacks (except small purses/diaper bags), vehicles subject to inspection, and no drones or professional detachable telephoto lenses allowed.

Introduction

A public open house at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) offers a rare chance to move beyond headlines and screens and stand where robotic explorers are designed, tested and commanded. This October, JPL marks its 90th anniversary by welcoming visitors to its campus at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains for Explore JPL: a curated, two-day immersion into the technologies, missions and people who have pushed planetary exploration from concept to reality. Free tickets will be in short supply. For those who secure one, the visit promises an intimate encounter with historic mission control rooms, spacecraft assembly areas, robotics demonstrations and labs where miniaturized devices are being crafted for future missions.

The open house is a snapshot of JPL’s nine-decade arc: from early rocket-propulsion experiments in 1936 to America’s first satellite, to recent Mars rovers and upcoming missions into the outer solar system. Behind the curated exhibits and guided areas lies a broader objective: showing how engineering, science and hands-on creativity converge to extend human reach into space. The public day is also a practical exercise in safety and operations — visitor flows, security checks, and strict equipment rules mirror the high-discipline environment that keeps multi-billion-dollar missions on track.

This article explains what Explore JPL will offer, why the lab’s history matters, how to secure and use tickets, what rules and restrictions to expect, and how to plan a visit so you make the most of a limited, carefully scheduled experience. It also places the open house in the context of JPL’s legacy and continuing role in planetary science and robotic exploration.

Four themed experiences: What Explore JPL will showcase

Explore JPL organizes exhibits around four themes that map directly onto the lab’s core work: Missions That Changed the World, Moon to Mars, In Flight, and Makerspace. Each theme highlights different stages of the mission lifecycle — design, testing, operations and human creativity — and together they provide a compact tour of JPL’s present and past.

• Missions That Changed the World will present full-scale models and interpretive displays for landmark missions. Visitors will see representations of Voyager, Galileo and the Perseverance rover. These models anchor conversations about scientific breakthroughs — for example, Voyager’s interstellar journey and the insights into Jupiter’s moons gathered by Galileo — and how those discoveries shaped planetary science.
• Moon to Mars gathers work directly connected to exploration of Earth’s nearest neighbors. Expect interpretive materials about lunar mission technologies and Mars rovers, including the Perseverance rover and its sample caching campaign and the Ingenuity helicopter’s demonstration of powered flight at Mars. The displays will connect current hardware and research to future planning for sustained exploration and possible human return.
• In Flight highlights operations and real-time mission management. This section gives visitors a sense of live communications, tracking and problem-solving that keep spacecraft healthy across vast distances. The Space Flight Operations Facility, a National Historic Landmark, will be a focal point of this theme. Seeing the consoles and command infrastructure in person conveys how engineers send commands and receive science data from missions billions of miles away.
• Makerspace showcases JPL’s hands-on engineering culture: machine shops, prototyping labs, and the Microdevices Laboratory. Here visitors can appreciate the precision work needed to miniaturize instruments and fabricate components that operate in extreme environments. Demonstrations will likely include robotics research ranging from autonomous lunar rovers to search-and-rescue robots.

These four areas are designed to appeal to a range of visitors: families, students, hobbyists, engineers and anyone curious about how exploration moves from idea to flight.

JPL’s 90-year arc: milestones that shaped modern robotic exploration

JPL’s public image rests on headline missions, but those headlines are the visible products of institution-building, repeated innovation and often-risky engineering. The lab traces its origins to rocket-propulsion development in 1936 and transitioned into a national center for spaceflight engineering after joining NASA in 1958. Several missions stand out for their scientific and cultural impact.

• Explorer 1 (1958): Launched by a team that included JPL engineers, Explorer 1 was the United States’ first successful satellite. Its observations led to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts and established the U.S. as a player in the early space age.
• Voyager missions (launched 1977): Voyager 1 and 2 delivered a golden era of outer-planet exploration, revealing previously unknown moons, ring structures and atmospheric processes, and later providing humanity’s first probes into interstellar space. Voyager’s long-lived signals are a continuing demonstration of robust engineering and mission planning.
• Galileo and Cassini: Galileo’s focused study of Jupiter and its moons transformed understanding of the Jovian system. Cassini’s multi-year exploration of Saturn and its moons — including the discovery of active plumes on Enceladus — reshaped thinking about where habitable environments might exist in the outer solar system.
• Mars exploration programs: JPL has led a sustained campaign of Martian exploration. From the Mars Exploration Rovers (Spirit and Opportunity) to Curiosity and Perseverance, these missions have combined surface mobility, in-situ science, sample collection and aerial scouting (Ingenuity). Perseverance’s efforts to collect and cache samples bring the prospect of returning ancient Martian materials to Earth closer to reality.
• Europa Clipper (under development): Representing JPL’s continuing commitment to outer-planet science, Europa Clipper is designed to probe the icy moon Europa for signs of habitability, seeking evidence for subsurface oceans and material exchange between ice and ocean.

The open house is, in part, a public celebration of these lineages. The models, displays and facility tours condense complex technical stories into accessible narratives, showing the continuity of engineering practice and scientific curiosity that links a lab founded in the 1930s to robotic explorers still examining our solar system today.

Facilities visitors will enter and what they reveal about mission work

Explore JPL grants access to spaces that most of the public rarely — if ever — see. Those physical places tell a technical story as clearly as any plaque or exhibit.

• Space Flight Operations Facility (SFoF): Designated a National Historic Landmark, this is where spacecraft are commanded and telemetry is received. Rows of consoles, massive display walls and the culture of “operations” come together here. Visitors will see how mission teams organize around timelines, uplink command sequences and monitor spacecraft health. SFoF is both symbolic and practical: it is where contingency plans are executed and where the daily business of collecting distant science happens.
• Spacecraft Assembly Facility and Machine Shop: The assembly hangars are where hardware comes together. Visitors will gain perspective on the scale and cleanliness required to assemble flight hardware. JPL’s machine shop produces precision components; seeing the shop illuminates why tiny tolerances and meticulous testing matter when parts must survive launch vibrations, temperature swings and radiation exposure.
• Microdevices Laboratory: Miniaturization is central to modern space instruments. The Microdevices Lab produces sensors and tiny mechanisms that save mass and energy on missions while extending capabilities. Demonstrations in this space will show how microfabrication techniques support instruments used for both spaceflight and Earth science.
• Robotics and R&D spaces: JPL’s robotics programs often emphasize autonomy, mobility and practical engineering solutions. Visitors will see autonomous lunar rover prototypes and search-and-rescue robots optimized for rugged environments. These exhibits underline JPL’s dual role: advancing planetary exploration while contributing robotics solutions to terrestrial problems.

Full-scale models of high-profile missions — Perseverance, Voyager and Galileo — let visitors examine hardware at human scale. Unlike flown hardware, these models permit close-up inspection and help non-specialists grasp mass, mechanism placement and instrumentation layout.

How ticketing will work and tactics to secure a spot

Tickets are free but limited. The lab has run similar open-house events in the past and high demand means demand-management procedures are strict.

• Release schedule and access: Tickets will be available on the Explore JPL webpage at 9 a.m. PDT on Sunday, Aug. 29. They are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each ticket is tied to a specific time slot and specific attendee names; attendees will not be admitted before their scheduled time.
• Limits and cancellations: A maximum of five tickets is allowed per requestor. Orders exceeding that number may be cancelled. Tickets cannot be sold or transferred.
• Identification: Anyone age 18 or over must present government-issued identification at entry. Children under 2 do not require a ticket, but organizers caution that the event is not designed for very young guests.

Tactics for improving your chances:

• Be prepared at launch time. The release is time-sensitive. Have the Explore JPL page loaded and your browser ready. Use a stable internet connection and consider using more than one device or browser to improve your odds if demand is heavy.
• Know your party details ahead of time. Since names are required at booking, prepare the exact names and birthdates you’ll need to enter. This saves time at the ticket interface.
• Respect the per-requestor limit. Attempting to surpass the limit risks cancellation of the entire order.
• Have contingency plans. Because tickets go quickly, treat any successful booking as provisional and confirm logistical details (transportation, time of arrival, ID) early.

Although the ticketing system places limits on attendee numbers, those who don’t secure passes have alternatives like the virtual tour and JPL’s social channels for curated highlights and behind-the-scenes content.

Rules, security screening and items you cannot bring

The open house simulates aspects of an active national laboratory. To protect people and sensitive spaces, organizers enforce strict rules.

Prohibited items (selected list from event guidance):

• Weapons or explosives of any kind; incendiary devices
• Glass containers, alcoholic beverages, cannabis or illegal drugs
• Pets, except certified service animals
• Handheld banners, signs, flags, boom boxes, air horns or whistles
• Musical instruments and laser pointers
• Professional camera equipment with detachable telephoto lenses
• Drones (not permitted to fly over JPL under any circumstances)
• Backpacks and hard-sided coolers (small purses and diaper bags are allowed)
• Skates, skateboards, scooters, Segways and bicycles (venues are crowded with pedestrians)

Additional operational notes:

• Vehicles entering JPL property are subject to inspection. This is standard for many federal and contractor-run facilities with sensitive operations.
• Parking is free, but plan for hiking to the venue from parking lots depending on your time slot and arrival flow.
• Tickets are non-transferable and must match the name on the reservation. Adults must show government ID.

These rules are not arbitrary. They reflect both safety considerations (for example, no glass containers in crowded outdoor spaces) and operational needs (no drones and no detachable telephoto lenses to avoid interference with sensitive facilities and to protect intellectual property or ongoing mission details).

How to plan a two-day visit: timing, priorities and itinerary tips

A two-day open house compresses a broad range of experiences into time-limited visitor flows. Use your time efficiently to see high-priority sites and get the most out of interactive demonstrations.

• Prioritize guided or limited-access spaces: If the Space Flight Operations Facility is accessible only during certain hours, plan to arrive for that slot. These guided experiences often have capacity limits and provide the clearest insight into mission operations.
• Allocate time for hands-on and exploratory activities: Makerspaces and robotics demos are popular; they can have waits. Schedule these for mid-morning or early afternoon when lines may be shorter than peak arrival times.
• Expect walking and crowds: JPL’s campus layout and the concentration of exhibits mean you’ll walk between sites. Comfortable shoes and a plan for a linear circuit through exhibits will help. Since backpacks are not allowed, pack light — a small purse or diaper bag only.
• Consider family needs: The event is not intended for very young guests. If you bring children, confirm age-appropriate exhibits to avoid disappointment. Some hands-on stations may have age or height guidelines.
• Photography and note-taking: Personal cameras and smartphones are generally permitted, but professional detachable telephoto lenses are prohibited. Capture context and learning moments with your phone; for higher-quality publication or media requests, contact JPL’s media office ahead of time (JPL-media@jpl.nasa.gov).
• Food and rest: The source event guidance does not specify on-site food services. Expect limited food options and long lines; plan meal windows accordingly. Restrooms and shaded rest areas are typically provided but may be served by long queues when crowds peak.
• Backup for weather: October in Southern California is usually mild, but sun-protection and hydration remain important. Wear sunblock and bring a hat. If a rain forecast exists, check JPL communications for weather-related updates.
• Time-zone considerations: All scheduling references are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT); if you travel from other zones, convert arrival times accordingly.

These practical tips increase the likelihood of a smooth, informative visit while minimizing stress from logistics or long waits.

Accessibility, accommodations and special needs

Major public science centers prioritize accessibility. JPL’s open house will follow similar practices, but visitors with specific needs should prepare.

• Mobility and assisted access: The campus includes ramps and accessible routes at major exhibit areas. If you or someone in your party requires special parking, drop-off, or a mobility aid, contact JPL through the event page in advance for details on accessible entry points and accommodations.
• Service animals: Certified service animals are permitted; pets are not.
• Sensory considerations: Crowded exhibits, sudden noises from demonstrations and audible announcements in operations spaces can be disorienting for some visitors. If you or a family member has sensory sensitivities, plan to visit during less-crowded time slots or identify quieter areas on campus where you can take breaks.
• Communication access: For visitors who require sign language interpretation or other communication support, reach out to JPL ahead of the event. Large events typically provide accommodations when requested with notice.
• Medical issues and medications: Carry necessary medications in permitted small purses or diaper bags. The prohibition on backpacks and large coolers reflects security and crowding concerns, so plan medical supplies accordingly and have necessary documentation accessible.

Because rules and services can change between announcement and event, consult the Explore JPL webpage for the latest accessibility guidance and contact paths.

What to expect inside the Space Flight Operations Facility

For many visitors, entering SFoF is the highlight. The facility’s historic designation reflects both its architectural importance and the centrality of operations in space exploration.

• The layout and atmosphere: Expect wide control-room floors, banked rows of consoles and a large display wall used to track spacecraft telemetry and mission status. The environment is a working operations center, but during public events, teams often prepare interpretive displays and short, controlled demonstrations to explain routine tasks such as uplinking commands and analyzing telemetry.
• Real-world context: Visitors will see how mission teams coordinate across engineering, science and navigation. The complexity of commanding a spacecraft — accounting for communications lag, limited power and environmental extremes — becomes tangible when people explain the mission timeline and how simple commands are packaged and verified.
• Interactive elements: Curated interactions may include simplified simulations of command uplinks or hypothetical "what if" scenarios where teams demonstrate how they would respond to an anomaly. These exercises help demystify the intensive planning that underpins long-duration missions.

Entering a mission operations space emphasizes the human systems behind robotic explorers: people who design checklists, create automated scripts, troubleshoot in real time and keep the flow of science returning to Earth.

Robotics on display: from scouts to search-and-rescue tools

JPL’s robotics research balances planetary mobility — rovers, hoppers and aerial scouts — with terrestrial applications like disaster-response robots.

• Planetary prototypes: Expect to see rover platforms that illustrate concepts for lunar and Martian mobility, autonomy frameworks, and navigation systems that allow robots to traverse uneven terrain. The Ingenuity helicopter’s success at Mars demonstrates the value of small aerial scouts, and robotics exhibits will likely connect aerial concepts to new designs for future missions.
• Terrestrial impact: Search-and-rescue robots developed or refined at JPL apply autonomy and rugged design to human emergencies on Earth. Demonstrations often show obstacle negotiation, remote sensing for locating survivors and robust communications in challenging conditions.
• Hands-on opportunities: Makerspace demonstrations and robotics demos aim to excite future engineers. These stations typically allow supervised interaction, showing how simple sensors, actuators and control algorithms translate into practical robotic behaviors.

Robotics displays bridge the lab’s mission-focused engineering with practical tools that can assist people on Earth, underlining the dual-use nature of many technologies.

Microdevices, materials and the art of miniaturization

The Microdevices Laboratory and related facilities exemplify JPL’s focus on making instruments smaller, lighter and more capable.

• Why miniaturization matters: Mass dictates cost and feasibility. Smaller instruments enable more science per mission by allowing multiple instruments on a single platform or enabling longer-range mobility with stringent power budgets. Miniaturized sensors open new possibilities for distributed measurements and low-cost science payloads.
• Typical demonstrations: Microfabrication workflows, sensor demos and displays explaining how microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and micro-optical devices are produced and tested. Visitors will see how rigorous environmental testing — thermal cycling, vibration and vacuum tests — simulates the stresses a device will face in flight.
• Spin-offs: Technologies developed for space often find applications on Earth: environmental sensors, medical devices and material-science innovations. Makerspace exhibits may highlight these crossovers.

Seeing microdevices up close helps translate abstract instrument specifications into tangible, human-scale explanations of engineering constraints and creative solutions.

The role of public engagement: why open houses matter

Public open houses are more than PR. They create a loop between public investment, education and future talent pipelines.

• Civic transparency: Open houses show taxpayers how public funds support exploration and science. They also reveal the rigorous testing and safety culture that justify multi-year expenditures and long mission timelines.
• Education and workforce development: Hands-on exhibits and maker-focused stations inspire students to pursue STEM careers. Events like Explore JPL can spark interest that translates into internships, university study and future contributions to space programs.
• Community relations: JPL sits within the Pasadena and greater Southern California community. Public events help integrate the lab into local culture and create occasions where residents can engage with researchers and engineers directly.
• Recruitment and inspiration: Seeing specialized labs and talking to mission teams can motivate visitors to pursue careers in engineering, instrument design, software, science and operations. The event functions as both celebration and active outreach.

Open houses translate institutions’ technical narratives into accessible stories that matter to communities, students and future scientists.

Virtual alternatives: how to explore JPL without a ticket

Not everyone will secure a ticket. JPL provides robust virtual resources for remote visitors.

• Virtual tour: An online virtual tour (https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/virtual-tour/) provides panoramic access to many campus spaces and curated content that replicates aspects of the physical visit. It’s a useful preview or substitute for those who cannot attend in person.
• Social media feeds: Follow JPL on Facebook, X and Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes photos and live coverage. These channels often post highlights from open-house events and mission milestones.
• Media engagement: For journalists or media who need specialized content or high-resolution images, contact JPL’s media office (JPL-media@jpl.nasa.gov) ahead of the event to arrange interviews and materials.

Virtual content makes JPL’s work accessible globally and offers educational resources for classrooms and informal learning.

Safety, ethics and photography: what you can share

JPL’s rules around photography, professional equipment and drone usage balance openness with operational security and intellectual-property considerations.

• Photography: Mobile phones and personal cameras without detachable telephoto lenses are generally allowed for personal use. Avoid photographing clearly marked restricted facilities or areas where sensitive equipment is staged. If you plan to publish photos beyond personal social media, seek media approval via the JPL media contact.
• No drones: Drones are specifically banned from flying over JPL at all times. This prohibition reduces risk to facilities and to flight hardware, and prevents unauthorized imagery of secure sites.
• Respect for staff and workflows: When inside operational spaces, be conscious of staff performing mission-critical tasks. Quiet, unobtrusive observation is the norm in operations areas.
• Responsible sharing: If you post images or observations to social media, avoid speculation about mission anomalies or classified items. Public communication should prioritize verified facts and official statements.

Responsible behavior preserves opportunities for future public events and maintains the balance between public access and mission integrity.

What past visitors have found most memorable

Open-house attendees often remark on particular aspects that reveal the character of JPL’s work.

• Being close to mission hardware: Full-scale models and assembly areas give a tangible sense of scale and engineering complexity that media photos cannot replicate.
• Inside view of mission control: Visitors frequently describe a visceral understanding of mission timelines and the choreography required to keep distant spacecraft operating.
• Hands-on maker activities: Interactive stations that let visitors manipulate components or build simple devices often spark longer conversations and linger in memory.
• Personal encounters with engineers and scientists: Informal interactions with staff — the stories behind decisions, the explanation of failures and recoveries — humanize the engineering process.

These elements create lasting public impressions of what it takes to go from prototype to interplanetary flight.

Practical checklist for attending Explore JPL

• Tickets: Secure a ticket starting Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. PDT on the Explore JPL webpage. Limit of five per requestor. Time-slot and named tickets required.
• Identification: Adults (18+) must present government-issued ID.
• Packing: Bring only small purses or diaper bags. Leave backpacks, large coolers and non-essential equipment at home.
• Items prohibited: Do not bring weapons, glass containers, alcohol, cannabis, professional detachable lenses, drones, musical instruments, or skate/scooter equipment.
• Clothing: Comfortable shoes and sun protection recommended.
• Accessibility needs: Contact JPL in advance if you require accommodations.
• Media inquiries: Email JPL-media@jpl.nasa.gov ahead of the event for press access or high-resolution images.
• Parking: Free; expect vehicle inspections upon entry.
• Virtual option: If you can’t attend, visit the virtual tour and follow JPL on social media for coverage.

With these steps, attendees can move from ticketing to entry efficiently and enjoy the curated experiences with minimal friction.

The scientific and cultural footprint of JPL missions — examples that bring exhibits to life

Exploring mission examples clarifies why seeing models, operations rooms and labs matters beyond spectacle.

• Voyager: When visitors stand near a Voyager model they are close to an engineering story of longevity and robust design. Voyager’s interstellar data stream continues to return weak but valuable signals and demonstrates how careful hardware and planning allow decades-long scientific return.
• Galileo: The mission’s study of Jupiter’s hostile environment and its moons, including the mapping of Europa’s icy surface, informs current plans for missions like Europa Clipper and the scientific rationale for searching for subsurface oceans.
• Cassini: Cassini’s exploration of Saturn revealed dynamic ring processes and subsurface activity on Enceladus, sparking new ideas about ocean worlds and the potential for habitable niches beyond Earth.
• Perseverance and Ingenuity: Perseverance’s sample caching used precision mechanical systems to collect and seal Martian rocks for future return. Ingenuity, a small helicopter, proved powered, controlled flight is possible in Mars’ thin atmosphere. Exhibits that show these programs illustrate how experimental technologies can open new operational paradigms.

Each mission represents a problem-solving narrative: defining science goals, engineering instruments and overcoming constraints — and these narratives are the substance of the exhibits visitors will see.

How to use the virtual tour as preparation

The virtual tour is a practical preparation tool if you plan to attend in person or want a substitute experience.

• Preview spaces: Use the virtual tour to identify exhibits you want to prioritize at the physical event. This saves time on-site and helps you avoid queues.
• Pre-learn concepts: The tour often contains brief explanations of hardware and mission objectives. Reviewing those beforehand lets you ask deeper questions during the live event.
• Share with children or students: Virtual content can prime younger visitors and make on-site experiences richer. Pair the virtual tour with discussion prompts or a scavenger hunt to focus attention during the live visit.

Treat the virtual tour as both orientation and enrichment. It reduces cognitive overload on the day of the event and enhances the educational value of hands-on exhibits.

Media and communications: if you need more than a public visit

Journalists and media producers should plan ahead. The public open house is intended for general audiences and not for unrestricted filming or in-depth technical interviews.

• Press access: Contact the JPL media office (JPL-media@jpl.nasa.gov) ahead of time to request interviews, high-resolution images, or guided access to particular facilities. Approval processes can take time, so early outreach is essential.
• On-site constraints: Professional camera equipment with detachable telephoto lenses is not permitted for general visitors. Media credentialing may allow specific equipment, but that requires coordination.
• Story ideas: Consider focusing on human narratives — the engineers behind mission recoveries, the machine-shop precision involved in crafting parts, or student outreach outcomes tied to maker-space programs. These angles often produce compelling coverage that resonates with general audiences.

Advance coordination with media relations will ensure accurate, on-site reporting without disrupting mission operations or visitor flow.

Ethical considerations and stewardship of public understanding

Open houses carry an implicit responsibility: to present complex scientific topics accurately, to avoid sensationalism and to respect both the limits and potentials of current science.

• Accurate framing: Exhibits should avoid overstating what missions can prove. For instance, detecting chemical signatures suggestive of habitability differs from finding life. Clear, measured explanations preserve scientific credibility and public trust.
• Respecting limitations: Public enthusiasm can generate expectations for rapid breakthroughs. JPL’s outreach should explain long lead times and the conservative risk-management cultures that make missions successful.
• Inspiring responsibly: The aim is to inspire next-generation scientists while giving realistic portraits of career paths, including the technical and institutional challenges of space exploration.

Visitors who leave with a nuanced understanding of what science can and cannot claim are more likely to become informed advocates and supporters of long-term research.

Looking beyond the open house: ways to stay engaged

Explore JPL is an entry point, not a one-time experience. There are sustained ways to engage with the lab’s work.

• Educational programs: JPL and partner institutions run student programs, internships and fellowships. Use the open house as a starting point to inquire about such opportunities.
• Follow mission timelines: Track Perseverance, Europa Clipper and other current missions through JPL’s mission pages for updates on discoveries and milestones.
• Participate in community events: JPL, Caltech and local museums host talks, film nights and lecture series. Event calendars on JPL’s site and social media list upcoming public engagement opportunities.
• Support science education: Local science clubs, maker spaces and schools benefit when community members convert open-house enthusiasm into support for STEM programs.

A single visit can lead to long-term engagement with science, whether through education, advocacy or volunteering.

FAQ

Q: When is Explore JPL and how do I get tickets? A: Explore JPL will be held Oct. 10–11, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT. Free tickets are limited and will be available on the Explore JPL webpage at 9 a.m. PDT on Sunday, Aug. 29. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to five per requestor. Each ticket is assigned to a specific time slot and named attendees; orders exceeding five tickets may be canceled.

Q: Do children need tickets? A: Children under age 2 do not require a ticket. However, the event is not intended for very young guests. Everyone age 18 and over must show government-issued identification.

Q: Can I transfer or sell my tickets? A: No. Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be sold. Names on tickets must match attendees.

Q: What items are not allowed inside JPL? A: Prohibited items include weapons, explosives, incendiary devices, glass containers, alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs, pets (except certified service animals), banners, flags, boom boxes, air horns, musical instruments, professional camera equipment with detachable telephoto lenses, drones, laser pointers and whistles. Bags, backpacks and hard-sided coolers are not permitted; small purses and diaper bags are allowed.

Q: Are drones allowed? A: No. Drones are not allowed to fly over JPL under any circumstances.

Q: Is parking available and are vehicles inspected? A: Parking is free. Vehicles entering JPL property are subject to inspection.

Q: Can I take photos during the event? A: Personal photography with smartphones and non-detachable-lens cameras is generally permitted for personal use. Professional cameras with detachable telephoto lenses are prohibited for general visitors. If you plan to publish images or need high-resolution photos for media purposes, contact JPL media in advance at JPL-media@jpl.nasa.gov.

Q: What if I cannot get a ticket? A: Use the virtual tour (https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/virtual-tour/) and follow JPL’s social channels on Facebook, X and Instagram for coverage. The virtual tour offers panoramic access to many campus areas and curated educational content.

Q: Are there accessibility accommodations? A: JPL typically provides accessible routes and accommodations for visitors. If you require special assistance, contact JPL through the Explore JPL webpage ahead of the event to arrange accessible entry points, parking or other needs.

Q: Who should I contact for media inquiries? A: For press access or media materials, contact JPL’s media office at JPL-media@jpl.nasa.gov.

Q: What should I wear and bring? A: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and sun protection. Bring only small purses or diaper bags; backpacks and large coolers are not allowed. Carry any necessary medications in permitted small bags and have ID available for adults.

Q: Will actual flight hardware be on display? A: The event will feature full-scale models of missions such as Perseverance, Voyager and Galileo, and tours of facilities like the Spacecraft Assembly Facility. Flown hardware is typically not moved from secure facilities; displays and models provide close-up views for the public.

Q: How does Explore JPL support STEM education? A: The event showcases maker spaces, robotics demonstrations and microdevice displays that aim to inspire students and community members. It also functions as public outreach that connects attendees with career pathways, internships and educational programs.

Q: Where can I get more information? A: Visit the Explore JPL webpage for the latest event details and ticketing information, and follow JPL on Facebook, X and Instagram for updates and coverage.

— End of FAQ —