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JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) was co-founded by Theodore von Kármán in 1936, a prominent aeronautical engineer and scientist who played a vital role in shaping the field of aerospace research. Under von Kármán's leadership, JPL initially served as a center for rocketry research and development, contributing significantly to the field. Its early achievements paved the way for future advancements in space exploration, planetary science, and mission design.