Lead
Be an inspiring role model and enabling industry leader
International Women’s Day: More than 650 women gathered on Lab for the annual International Women’s Day photo, participating in a generational time-lapse showing
Strategic Imperative 5: Industry Leading Workplace Culture
Create an inclusive, collaborative, and engaging workplace culture that serves as a role model for the space industry
The Opportunity:
At JPL, we seek to dare mighty things together. Our social cohesion, team dynamics and ability to be seen and feel valued as colleagues are fundamental to our existence as a high-performing organization. We believe a culture of inspiration, inclusion, respect, and belonging drives better innovation and collaboration, creates a stronger sense of purpose, positions us as an ideal employer, and is essential for mission success. We have the opportunity to lead the space ecosystem in creating a modern, inclusive workplace with a world-leading diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) culture. In doing this, we seek no less than becoming a model for the space industry.
We Envision a World in Which:
People at all levels of our organization operate in an environment of trust, support and collaboration, and where our high-performing teams of all kinds are recognized for their contributions to JPL’s success.
We are defined by a talented and innovative workforce, rapid information sharing and a culture of inclusion and respect.
We have established common values and a shared set of expectations about how we live those values within our community.
By 2026, We Will:
JPL’s DEIA Plan
Deliver on our commitments to an inclusive culture captured in JPL’s DEIA Plan.
Team-building Program
Institute a team-building program that provides training and resources to foster new modes of collaboration and effective communication within and between teams – including Caltech, NASA, and partners – which will empower our people to deliver on our exciting work.
Value Inclusion
Value inclusion as a basic requirement in the selection, development, and promotion of leaders.
Eyes on Earth: An employee uses the JPL-developed Eyes on Earth data-visualization application to demonstrate to visitors how we study the changing Earth.
Strategic Imperative 6: Global Inspiration
Catalyze a global community to share compelling stories about space and Earth exploration that are synonymous with the future of humanity
The Opportunity:
Explore JPL: A JPLer shows the Mars Perseverance rover wheel design at the 2023 Explore JPL public event.
Imagine a world where JPL generates awe and sparks imaginations at massive scale and with real societal impact. To achieve this, it is crucial that our outreach be bigger and broader than JPL, or even NASA. We must create an environment that encourages others to engage with and share stories about the value of space and Earth science, and exploration through different vantage points, lived experiences, and perspectives. We must look beyond our usual partners to enhance how we connect with people everywhere. By doing so we will greatly expand our global reach and impact. As we unleash the incredible creativity that already exists across JPL and outside of the Lab, we will help shape and amplify the stories that are redefining the future of humanity through space exploration at this extraordinary moment in time.
We Envision a World in Which:
We have dramatically expanded engagement of humanity in space exploration and Earth stewardship.
We have fueled future generations’ passions in science, technology, engineering & math (STEM) education and careers, and helped those not in STEM imagine a future in which space exploration plays a much greater part than in prior decades.
We have invested in and designed compelling visualizations, content, and immersive experiences that democratize data, allow for co-creation, and catalyze engagement and action.
We have forged new connections and leveraged the networks of culturally relevant storytellers and influencers to magnify the awe we can create together.
By 2026 We Will:
Global Forum
Host a global forum that regularly catalyzes storytellers everywhere to create content connecting space exploration and stewardship of Earth with the future of humanity.
Network of Creators
Build a much larger and more diverse network of creators, influencers, industry and STEM partners to unleash awe beyond the traditional space community.
Cutting-edge Storytelling and Outreach
Pilot cutting-edge storytelling and outreach technologies and techniques to make space exploration both tangible and inspirational to people everywhere.
Deep Space Network: The DSS-14 antenna at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex.
Strategic Imperative 7: 2036 and Beyond — Launching JPL's Next Century
Envision and position JPL for a bright long-term future in the space ecosystem
The Opportunity:
We face unprecedented change and new opportunities as the global landscape for Earth and space science evolves. As the commercial space industry advances, new private space economies take hold, and new national space agencies emerge, the form of science and exploration over the coming decades will be fundamentally different than in the past. Within this new, expanded, and exciting space ecosystem, how should we think about the role of JPL?
In Flight: Artist’s rendering of Lunar Trailblazer.
How should we evolve to organize and operate for this future? How and when should we develop or commercialize JPL product lines, lean into new forms and scales of partnerships, and otherwise adapt to new opportunities? We will take time to engage the whole Lab and beyond over the next three years to co-create a vivid picture of JPL’s longer-term future as a leader in the space ecosystem beyond the horizon of this three-year plan. In doing so, we will navigate toward our North Star and continue to drive the forefront of scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity.
We Envision a World in Which:
We have the vision, systems, and structure to thrive. We are responsive, supportive, and agile in the face of change and opportunity while always staying aligned with our core values. We continuously focus on the future and understand the changing landscape of government and industry within the space ecosystem.
We support the democratization of space and help the new space economy to thrive. As NASA’s FFRDC, we embrace the opportunity to sit at the interface between NASA’s needs and emergent commercial capabilities in alignment with scientific priorities. We increase our interaction with nontraditional partners and are more agile with impactful technology transfer and creative public-private partnerships.
As a key member of the NASA family, and in partnership with Caltech, we help enhance US leadership through multi-national science-driven endeavors and enabling allied-nation civil space agencies to pursue their aspirations.
By 2026 We Will:
Strategic Foresight
Strengthen JPL’s strategic foresight and advance our ability to understand and respond to political, societal, scientific, and industry trends.
Create a Roadmap
Articulate “Who We Are” and “What We Want to Be” within the future space ecosystem. Create a roadmap focused on positioning JPL for our second century.
When We Succeed ...
Taken together, this plan is ambitious and exciting. It is aligned with input received from across JPL and beyond. It not only addresses needed near-term changes and focus areas, but sets up JPL, NASA, and the broader space ecosystem for long- term success. By staying focused on our strategic imperatives, we will continue to change JPL for the better and dramatically increase our impact in the world. And we will do it together. When we celebrate JPL’s 90th birthday in 2026, we will do so knowing we have embraced opportunity and taken a hard look at ourselves and look forward with pride to our coming centennial. We will truly embody the spirit of “Dare mighty things together!”
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