— The United States' almost 70-year endeavor to explore our solar system and observe Earth from space will soon be on full display thanks to an ongoing partnership between two leading California institutions.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed by Caltech in Pasadena, and the California Science Center, a world-class hands-on museum located in Los Angeles, are building on their four decades of collaboration to bring the science of Earth observation and solar system exploration to life with the public opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Nov. 13.

The 200,000-square-foot (18,580 square-meter) expansion of the science center — already highly anticipated for its one-of-a-kind towering display of NASA's retired space shuttle Endeavour in its launch configuration — will also showcase artifacts, interactive experiences and stories featuring Caltech and JPL experts.

"Few things stir the human imagination quite like the wonders of space exploration," said Ray Jayawardhana, who will be inaugurated as Caltech's 10th president on Thursday (Oct. 29), in a statement. "For 90 years, Caltech and JPL have turned that imagination into voyages of discovery, revealing new worlds we once knew only as distant points of light, and transforming our understanding of the universe and our place within it."

"We are delighted to partner with the California Science Center to invite visitors of all ages into that cosmic quest, sharing the ingenuity that makes these daring feats of exploration possible and sparking the curiosity that may one day inspire humanity's next giant leap," Jayawardhana said.

Featured in the Kent Kresa Space Gallery, one of three major galleries in the Oschin Air and Space Center, the JPL experience is focused on deepening the public's understanding of Earth, our solar system and humanity's place in the universe. Guests will find displays about how NASA's robotic space missions expand scientists' knowledge and how the technologies developed at both Caltech and JPL advance scientific discovery.

Artifacts going on display include a restored Ranger lunar probe and a curated selection of full-scale models and replicas covering the whole of JPL robotic exploration, including the Mariner IV spacecraft, a Viking lander, the Sojourner Mars rover, a Mars Exploration rover, the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover and the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter.

Full-scale models of the United States' first satellite Explorer 1 and the Cassini-Huygens space probe are suspended in the Kresa Space Gallery, while the snake-like EELS (Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor) robot offers a glimpse into the future of robotic explorers.

Hands-on interactive exhibits invite guests to program the path of a miniature rover on Mars, build a robotic spacecraft for a planetary mission and explore the variety of space probes that have visited the planets. Visitors are transported (virtually) to other stars to learn about how exoplanets are discovered; practice gravity assists to slingshot probes along their paths; and hear from JPL experts through touchscreen-accessible interviews.

"We are proud to work with the California Science Center to bring JPL's extraordinary story of exploration to life," said Dave Gallagher, director of JPL and vice president of Caltech. "The expansion brilliantly captures the lab's bold past, inspiring missions exploring today and innovations that could unveil cosmic mysteries and redefine what is possible in space. We are excited for the local community and visitors around the world to experience JPL — a national treasure right in L.A.'s backyard — in a whole new way."

While general admission to the California Science Center is free, reservations for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, including the JPL experience in the Kent Kresa Space Gallery, are encouraged due to the high demand being driven by the center's opening. Entry may be limited for visitors without advance reservations. A $4 reservation service fee per person applies; the fee is waived for California Science Center members.

Advance reservations can be made online or by calling 213-744-2019.

"We are very grateful for our longstanding relationship with our neighbors and colleagues at Caltech and JPL," said Jeffrey Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center. "At the science center, our mission is to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone. The discoveries and advances made by Caltech JPL do just that — expanding our knowledge of the universe and evoking a sense of wonder."

"The artifacts, hands-on exploration and accounts from Caltech faculty and JPL staff will allow our guests to learn about current research and the future of space exploration, inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers and explorers to reach for the stars," said Rudolph.