Our contributions to the nation’s space program extends to 1959, the era of Sputnik. Two scientists realized that they could track the satellite through the Doppler shift of the signal and the concept of satellite navigation was born. The Laboratory’s contributions included some of the original satellites that orbited Earth, the Transit system. As spaceflight technology has evolved, so has the Laboratory’s skills. Our most recent contributions include NEAR – the first mission to orbit an asteroid, MESSENGER – the first orbital survey of Mercury, and New Horizons – the first mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt.
Throughout our subsequent evolution, the primary mission has remained one of public service through the application of advanced science and technology to the enhancement of national security.
