NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab Workforce Unaffected by Eaton Fire
On January 11, an airborne imaging spectrometer managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory flew over Los Angeles County to survey the damage from the historic fires. It captured images of charred hillsides in Angeles National Forest, devastated neighborhoods in Altadena, and the 170-acre JPL campus just west of the Eaton fire’s burn scar.
JPL Campus Escapes Unscathed
Despite the devastating impact of the fire on the surrounding areas, the physical buildings and structures of the La Cañada Flintridge institution remained intact. However, the same cannot be said for its workforce. During the height of the emergency, approximately 20% of the institution’s 5,500 employees were evacuated from their homes.
Director Laurie Leshin revealed that around 210 employees lost their homes in the fire, while an additional 100, including Leshin herself, are likely to be displaced long-term due to the extent of the damage to their houses or neighborhoods. Many more evacuees are still awaiting clearance to return home.
Heroic Actions Amidst Crisis
Despite the harrowing circumstances, employees at the 88-year-old institution managed to keep operations running throughout the disaster. Some staff members had to utilize decades worth of worst-case emergency training for the first time. Leshin recounted the dramatic scene on the first night of the fire, emphasizing the heroic efforts of the team.
JPL, known for managing the Deep Space Network, a global network of antennas that communicate with spacecraft beyond Earth’s moon, operates around the clock every day of the year. When the flames approached, employees, some under evacuation orders themselves, implemented relocation plans for mission operations for the first time, without losing any data.
Resilience and Community Support
The fires come after a challenging year for JPL, which saw significant layoffs due to budget cuts. However, a disaster relief fund launched on January 10 has already raised over $2 million to support staff, faculty, and students affected by the fire.
Director Leshin expressed gratitude for the support from the space community during this challenging time. She noted that most of the cleanup and repair work at JPL is related to wind damage, such as damaged roofs and downed branches. The buildings are set to reopen to staff soon, with remote work encouraged for those who can do so.
Despite the losses and challenges faced by the JPL community, Leshin remains optimistic about the future of exploration, highlighting the dedication of the institution’s employees to ensure that their mission continues no matter what.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and commitment of the JPL workforce shine through, demonstrating the true spirit of teamwork and determination in the face of crisis.