Jump to content

JPL Engineers Put Their Skills to the Test With Halloween Pumpkins


Recommended Posts

  • Publishers
Posted

3 min read

JPL Engineers Put Their Skills to the Test With Halloween Pumpkins

Pumpkin carving reaches new heights during the annual competition, where spacecraft-building engineers mix ingenuity and creativity for some spectacular results.

When mechanical engineers accustomed to building one-of-a-kind spacecraft turn that focus to pumpkins, the results can be hauntingly good. The annual Halloween pumpkin-carving contest at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California may be all in good fun, but to the 200 or so participants, it’s also serious business. Power tools are involved.

JPL employee with a pumpkin carved guitar
Pumpkins can even be turned into musical instruments during JPL’s annual pumpkin-carving contest.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Dioramas can incorporate flying-saucer gourds, guitar-strumming pumpkins, and squashes that bear a striking resemblance to celebrities or famous deep space missions. Participants carve them on their breaks – 60 minutes of frantic sawing and drilling that sends vegetable detritus flying on a patio at JPL. (This year, one team had a minute-by-minute spreadsheet to make sure they stayed on schedule.)

Carving complete, engineers race into two conference rooms in a nearby building to install the pumpkins into displays of up to 4 feet by 4 feet square. Non-pumpkin materials – motorized parts, lights, often elaborate props, and painted backdrops – can be prepared beforehand.

“It’s not really a pumpkin-carving contest in the traditional sense. It’s a pumpkin art installation event with very few rules,” said Peter Waydo, who manages JPL’s spacecraft mechanical engineering section and emcees the carving. He’s been participating since the event began in 2011. “This is something everybody looks forward to every year – it just lets their creative juices flow completely unrestricted from the rules and processes we’re normally bound by.”

For the 2023 event, more than two dozen teams produced displays. They ranged from a Barbenheimer-themed “atomic makeover” featuring a mirrored disco-ball pumpkin to a space octopus emerging from a Jupiter-colored pumpkin to greet NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft, and there were references to Taylor Swift, “Dune,” and the agency’s James Webb Space Telescope. All of the creations were on display for fellow engineers, scientists, technicians, and other JPL employees to admire.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a competition without winners. A panel of judges named the year’s top six, with three from each of the two sections of engineers that participate. A display re-creating favorite items from JPL’s museum and an interactive Indiana Jones-themed display both won first. Second went to the Deep Squash Network – a spoof on NASA’s Deep Space Network, which enables spacecraft to communicate with Earth – and to a creation involving a descendent of NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter on the fictional planet Arrakis. The two third-place winners were an eyeball-pumpkin that resembled Las Vegas’ Sphere and the Barbenheimer display.

The event comes on a special day for the lab, which, founded Oct. 31, 1936, was celebrating its 87th birthday.

Additional photos from the pumpkin competition are available on JPL’s website.

Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages JPL for NASA.

News Media Contact

Melissa Pamer
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
626-314-4928
melissa.pamer@jpl.nasa.gov

Share

Details

Last Updated
Oct 31, 2023

View the full article

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Similar Topics

    • By NASA
      Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Researchers from NASA and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently tested a scale model of the X-59 experimental aircraft in a supersonic wind tunnel located in Chofu, Japan, to assess the noise audible underneath the aircraft. The model can be seen in the wind tunnel in this image released on July 11, 2025.
      The test was an important milestone for NASA’s one-of-a-kind X-59, which is designed to fly faster than the speed of sound without causing a loud sonic boom. When the X-59 flies, sound underneath it – a result of its pressure signature – will be a critical factor for what people hear on the ground. 
      This marked the third round of wind tunnel tests for the X-59 model, following a previous test at JAXA and at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The data will help researchers understand the noise level that will be created by the shock waves the X-59 produces at supersonic speeds.
      Image credit: JAXA
      View the full article
    • By NASA
      Dwayne Lavigne works as a controls engineer at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, where he supports NASA’s Artemis mission by programming specialized computers for engine testing.NASA/Danny Nowlin As a controls engineer at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Dwayne Lavigne does not just fix problems – he helps put pieces together at America’s largest rocket propulsion test site.
      “There are a lot of interesting problems to solve, and they are never the same,” Lavigne said. “Sometimes, it is like solving a very cool puzzle and can be pretty satisfying.”
      Lavigne programs specialized computers called programmable logic controllers. They are extremely fast and reliable for automating precisely timed operations during rocket engine tests as NASA Stennis supports the agency’s Artemis missions to explore the Moon and build the foundation for the first crewed mission to Mars.
      However, the system will not act unless certain parameters are met in the proper sequence. It can be a complex relationship. Sometimes, 20 or 30 things must be in the correct configuration to perform an operation, such as making a valve open or close, or turning a motor on or off.
      The Picayune, Mississippi, native is responsible for establishing new signal paths between test hardware and the specialized computers.
      He also develops the human machine interface for the controls. The interface is a screen graphic that test engineers use to interact with hardware.
      Lavigne has worked with NASA for more than a decade. One of his proudest work moments came when he contributed to development of an automated test sequencing routine used during all RS-25 engine tests on the Fred Haise Test Stand.
      “We’ve had many successful tests over the years, and each one is a point of pride,” he said.
      When Lavigne works on the test stand, he works with the test hardware and interacts with technicians and engineers who perform different tasks than he does. It provides an appreciation for the group effort it takes to support NASA’s mission.
      “The group of people I work with are driven to get the job done and get it done right,” he said.
      In total, Lavigne has been part of the NASA Stennis federal city for 26 years. He initially worked as a contractor with the Naval Oceanographic Office as a data entry operator and with the Naval Research Laboratory as a software developer.
      September marks 55 years since NASA Stennis became a federal city. NASA, and more than 50 companies, organizations, and agencies located onsite share in operating costs, which allows tenants to direct more of their funding to individual missions. 
      “Stennis has a talented workforce accomplishing many different tasks,” said Lavigne. “The three agencies I’ve worked with at NASA Stennis are all very focused on doing the job correctly and professionally. In all three agencies, people realize that lives could be at risk if mistakes are made or shortcuts are taken.”
      Learn More About Careers at NASA Stennis Explore More
      6 min read A Defining Era: NASA Stennis and Space Shuttle Main Engine Testing
      Article 1 month ago 4 min read NASA Stennis Releases First Open-Source Software
      Article 2 months ago 5 min read NASA Stennis Software is Built for Future Growth
      Article 2 months ago View the full article
    • By NASA
      An artist’s concept of NASA’s Orion spacecraft orbiting the Moon while using laser communications technology through the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System.Credit: NASA/Dave Ryan As NASA prepares for its Artemis II mission, researchers at the agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland are collaborating with The Australian National University (ANU) to prove inventive, cost-saving laser communications technologies in the lunar environment.
      Communicating in space usually relies on radio waves, but NASA is exploring laser, or optical, communications, which can send data 10 to 100 times faster to the ground. Instead of radio signals, these systems use infrared light to transmit high-definition video, picture, voice, and science data across vast distances in less time. NASA has proven laser communications during previous technology demonstrations, but Artemis II will be the first crewed mission to attempt using lasers to transmit data from deep space.
      To support this effort, researchers working on the agency’s Real Time Optical Receiver (RealTOR) project have developed a cost-effective laser transceiver using commercial-off-the-shelf parts. Earlier this year, NASA Glenn engineers built and tested a replica of the system at the center’s Aerospace Communications Facility, and they are now working with ANU to build a system with the same hardware models to prepare for the university’s Artemis II laser communications demo.
      “Australia’s upcoming lunar experiment could showcase the capability, affordability, and reproducibility of the deep space receiver engineered by Glenn,” said Jennifer Downey, co-principal investigator for the RealTOR project at NASA Glenn. “It’s an important step in proving the feasibility of using commercial parts to develop accessible technologies for sustainable exploration beyond Earth.”

      During Artemis II, which is scheduled for early 2026, NASA will fly an optical communications system aboard the Orion spacecraft, which will test using lasers to send data across the cosmos. During the mission, NASA will attempt to transmit recorded 4K ultra-high-definition video, flight procedures, pictures, science data, and voice communications from the Moon to Earth.
      An artist’s concept of the optical communications ground station at Mount Stromlo Observatory in Canberra, Australia, using laser communications technology.Credit: The Australian National University Nearly 10,000 miles from Cleveland, ANU researchers working at the Mount Stromlo Observatory ground station hope to receive data during Orion’s journey around the Moon using the Glenn-developed transceiver model. This ground station will serve as a test location for the new transceiver design and will not be one of the mission’s primary ground stations. If the test is successful, it will prove that commercial parts can be used to build affordable, scalable space communication systems for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
      “Engaging with The Australian National University to expand commercial laser communications offerings across the world will further demonstrate how this advanced satellite communications capability is ready to support the agency’s networks and missions as we set our sights on deep space exploration,” said Marie Piasecki, technology portfolio manager for NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program.
      As NASA continues to investigate the feasibility of using commercial parts to engineer ground stations, Glenn researchers will continue to provide critical support in preparation for Australia’s demonstration.

      Strong global partnerships advance technology breakthroughs and are instrumental as NASA expands humanity’s reach from the Moon to Mars, while fueling innovations that improve life on Earth. Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.
      The Real Time Optical Receiver (RealTOR) team poses for a group photo in the Aerospace Communications Facility at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. From left to right: Peter Simon, Sarah Tedder, John Clapham, Elisa Jager, Yousef Chahine, Michael Marsden, Brian Vyhnalek, and Nathan Wilson.Credit: NASA The RealTOR project is one aspect of the optical communications portfolio within NASA’s SCaN Program, which includes demonstrations and in-space experiment platforms to test the viability of infrared light for sending data to and from space. These include the LCOT (Low-Cost Optical Terminal) project, the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration, and more. NASA Glenn manages the project under the direction of agency’s SCaN Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
      The Australian National University’s demonstration is supported by the Australian Space Agency Moon to Mars Demonstrator Mission Grant program, which has facilitated operational capability for the Australian Deep Space Optical Ground Station Network.
      To learn how space communications and navigation capabilities support every agency mission, visit:
      https://www.nasa.gov/communicating-with-missions


      Explore More
      3 min read NASA Engineers Simulate Lunar Lighting for Artemis III Moon Landing
      Article 1 week ago 2 min read NASA Seeks Commercial Feedback on Space Communication Solutions
      Article 1 week ago 4 min read NASA, DoD Practice Abort Scenarios Ahead of Artemis II Moon Mission
      Article 2 weeks ago View the full article
    • By NASA
      Explore This Section Science Artemis Mission Accomplished! Artemis… Overview Learning Resources Science Activation Teams SME Map Opportunities More Science Activation Stories Citizen Science   5 min read
      Mission Accomplished! Artemis ROADS III National Challenge Competitors Celebrate their Achievements
      The NASA Science Activation program’s Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathways (NESSP) team has successfully concluded the 2024–2025 Artemis ROADS III National Challenge, an educational competition that brought real NASA mission objectives to student teams (and reached more than 1,500 learners) across the country. From December 2024 through May 2025, over 300 teams of upper elementary, middle, and high school students from 22 states participated, applying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills in exciting and creative ways.
      Participants tackled eight Mission Objectives inspired by NASA’s Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon. Students explored challenges such as:
      Designing a water purification system for the Moon inspired by local water cycles Developing a Moon-based agricultural plan based on experimental results Programming a rover to autonomously navigate lunar tunnels Engineering and refining a human-rated water bottle rocket capable of safely returning a “chip-stronaut” to Earth Envisioning their future careers through creative projects like graphic novels or video interviews Exploring NASA’s Artemis program through a new Artemis-themed Lotería game In-person hub events were hosted by Northern Arizona University, Central Washington University, and Montana State University, where teams from Washington, Montana, and Idaho gathered to present their work, collaborate with peers, and experience life on a college campus. Students also had the chance to connect virtually with NASA scientists and engineers through NESSP’s NASA Expert Talks series.
      “Artemis ROADS III is NESSP’s eighth ROADS challenge, and I have to say, I think it’s the best one yet. It’s always inspiring to see so many students across the country engage in a truly meaningful STEM experience. I heard from several students and educators that participating in the challenge completely changed their perspective on science and engineering. I believe that’s because this program is designed to let students experience the joy of discovery and invention—driven by both teamwork and personal creativity—that real scientists and engineers love about their work. We also show students the broad range of STEM expertise NASA relies on to plan and carry out a mission like Artemis. Most importantly, it gives them a chance to feel like they are part of the NASA mission, which can be truly transformative.”
       – Dr. Darci Snowden, Director, NESSP
      NESSP proudly recognizes the following teams for completing all eight Mission Objectives and the Final Challenge:
      Space Pringles, 3rd-5th Grade, San Antonio, TX  Space Axolotls, 3rd-5th Grade, Roberts, MT  TEAM Wild, 6th-8th Grade, Eagle Mountain, UT  Pessimistic Penguins, 6th-8th Grade, Eagle Mountain, UT  Dwarf Planets, 6th-8th Grade, Eagle Mountain, UT  Astronomical Rovers, 6th-8th Grade, Eagle Mountain, UT  Cosmic Honeybuns, 6th-8th Grade, Eagle Mountain, UT  Houston we have a Problem, 6th-8th Grade, Eagle Mountain, UT  FBI Wanted List, 6th-8th Grade, Eagle Mountain, UT  Lunar Legion, 6th-8th Grade, San Antonio, TX  Artemis Tax-Free Space Stallions, 6th-8th Grade, Egg Harbor, NJ  Aquila, 6th-8th Grade, Gooding, ID  Space Warriors, 6th-8th Grade, Wapato, WA  Team Cygnus, 6th-8th Grade, Red Lodge, MT  Maple RocketMen, 6th-8th Grade, Northbrook, IL  RGB Hawks, 6th-8th Grade, Sagle, ID  The Blue Moon Bigfoots, 6th-8th Grade, Medford, OR  W.E.P.Y.C.K., 6th-8th Grade, Roberts, MT  Lunar Dawgz, 6th-8th Grade, Safford, AZ  ROSEBUD ROCKETEERS, 6th-8th Grade, Rosebud, MT  The Cosmic Titans, 6th-8th Grade, Thomson Falls, MT  The Chunky Space Monkeys, 6th-8th Grade, Naches, WA  ROSEBUD RED ANGUS, 9th-12th Grade, Rosebud, MT  Bulky Bisons, 9th-12th Grade, Council Grove, KS  The Falling Stars, 9th-12th Grade, Thomson Falls, MT  The Roadkillers, 9th-12th Grade, Thomson Falls, MT  The Goshawks, 9th-12th Grade, Thomson Falls, MT  Sequim Cosmic Catalysts, 9th-12th Grade, Sequim, WA  Spuddie Buddies, 9th-12th Grade, Moses Lake, WA  Astrocoquí 2, 9th-12th Grade, Mayaguez, PR  Big Sky Celestials, 9th-12th Grade, Billings, MT  TRYOUTS, 9th-12th Grade, Columbus, MT  Cosmonaughts, 9th-12th Grade, Columbus, MT  TCCS 114, 9th-12th Grade, Tillamook, OR  Marvin’s Mighty Martians, 9th-12th Grade, Simms, TX You can see highlights of these teams’ work in the Virtual Recognition Ceremony video on the NESSP YouTube channel. The presentation also features the teams selected to travel to Kennedy Space Center in August of 2025, the ultimate prize for these future space explorers!
      In addition to student engagement, the ROADS program provided professional development workshops and NGSS-aligned classroom resources to support K–12 educators. Teachers are invited to explore these materials and register for the next round of workshops, beginning in August 2025: https://nwessp.org/professional-development-registration.
      For more information about NESSP, its programs, partners, and the ROADS National Challenge, visit www.nwessp.org or contact info@nwessp.org.
       ———–
      NASA’s Northwest Earth and Space Science Pathways’ (NESSP) project is supported by NASA cooperative agreement award number 80NSSC22M0006 and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn/about-science-activation/
      A water bottle rocket launches into the air carrying its precious chip-stronaut cargo. Share








      Details
      Last Updated Jun 23, 2025 Editor NASA Science Editorial Team Related Terms
      Artemis Biological & Physical Sciences Planetary Science Science Activation Explore More
      3 min read NASA Scientists Find Ties Between Earth’s Oxygen and Magnetic Field


      Article


      5 days ago
      3 min read NASA Interns Conduct Aerospace Research in Microgravity


      Article


      4 weeks ago
      5 min read Percolating Clues: NASA Models New Way to Build Planetary Cores


      Article


      1 month ago
      Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA
      James Webb Space Telescope


      Webb is the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. It studies every phase in the…


      Perseverance Rover


      This rover and its aerial sidekick were assigned to study the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient microbial…


      Parker Solar Probe


      On a mission to “touch the Sun,” NASA’s Parker Solar Probe became the first spacecraft to fly through the corona…


      Juno


      NASA’s Juno spacecraft entered orbit around Jupiter in 2016, the first explorer to peer below the planet’s dense clouds to…

      View the full article
  • Check out these Videos

×
×
  • Create New...