Near Pasadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Photographed By Adam Margolis, June 10, 2018
1. Jet Propulsion Laboratory Marker
On October 31, 1936 at a site approximately 400 yards to the southeast, in the Arroyo Seco River Bed, a group of students and co-workers from the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory, California Institute of Technology (GALCIT), with the encouragement of Dr. Theodore Von Karman, fired their first rocket motor burning gaseous oxygen and methyl alcohol.This test led to the creation of the Galcit Rocket Research Project in 1937, formal government sponsorship of Galcit Rocket Research in 1939-1940, and the subsequent founding of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1944.
Frank J. Malina Edward S. Forman John W. Parsons William C. Rockefeller William A. Bollay Carlos C. Wood Apollo M. O. Smith
Erected by Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Education • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is October 31, 1936.
Location. 34° 11.987′ N, 118° 10.491′
Photographed By Adam Margolis, June 10, 2018
2. Jet Propulsion Laboratory Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Voyager Spacecraft - Interplanetary Explorers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); O. Oliver Goodall (approx. 0.8 miles away); Lanterman House (approx. 1.8 miles away); Descanso Gardens (approx. 2 miles away); Zane Grey Estate (approx. 2 miles away); a different marker also named Descanso Gardens (approx. 2.2 miles away); Christmas Tree Lane (approx. 2.3 miles away); Jackie and Mack Robinson (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pasadena.
More about this marker. Marker is on the JPL campus and can only be visited in one of three ways:
1. During a JPL open house. This occurs in early summer of every year and is free to attend.
2. Work at JPL or be a student at Cal Tech.
3. Tours of JPL are offered year-round, and space is limited.
Photographed By Adam Margolis, June 10, 2018
3. JLP Open House
Photographed By Craig Baker, May 18, 2019
4. Theodore Von Karman Dedication
Located in the auditorium lobby.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2018, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on June 14, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 11, 2018, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4. submitted on May 21, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
