Jor-El is a Kryptonian scientist, prior to Krypton's destruction. He was a member of the Kryptonian Council, and at one time, was its head. Although he was greatly respected amongst his colleagues, they ridiculed him when he predicted the destruction of the planet through his experiments. So, Jor-El is also the father of Kal-El, the boy who is Superman on Earth and uncle of Kara Zor-El who becomes Supergirl on Earth. Prior to Krypton's destruction, he launched Kal-El, as a baby, on an experimental spacecraft toward Earth, a planet he has previously visited.