Jonathan Lunine named as head scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Jonathan Lunine has an extensive background in planetary science, having served on the science working group for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and contributed to concept studies for solar system and exoplanet characterization missions. As a member of the National Academy of Sciences, he has chaired and co-chaired numerous advisory and strategic planning committees for the Academy, NASA, and the National Science Foundation. In his new role, Lunine has been appointed professor of planetary science at Caltech’s Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences.

John Grotzinger, chair of the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech, expressed excitement about Lunine joining the faculty, noting his wealth of experience in planetary science. Lunine’s work has covered diverse scientific questions across the solar system and extending to exoplanets. His addition to the faculty brings a valuable perspective and expertise to the Caltech community.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at Caltech in Pasadena, California, has a rich history dating back to 1936. JPL played a pivotal role in building and launching Explorer 1, America’s first satellite, in 1958. Following the establishment of NASA by Congress later that year, JPL became part of the agency and has since managed numerous historic missions, including Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, the Mars Exploration Rover program, and the Perseverance Mars rover.