Space flight is a quantum jump in technology. Behind its thunderous engines and jewel-like instruments lie thousands of jobs of research, each calling for patient, often frustrating experiments. Major U.S. center for this sort of basic work is a quiet laboratory nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains on the outskirts of Pasadena. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory does not build giant rockets or their engines. It specializes in the long-range research that makes them possible. If and when U.S. spacemen match and outdo the Russians, J.P.L. will deserve a major slice of credit.
Many...