JPL
Careers
Education
Science & Technology
JPL Logo
JPL Logo
Image

Slice of History - Happy Birthday, Dr. von Kármán!

May 3, 2021

140 years ago, on 11 May 1881, JPL founder, Dr. Theodore von Kármán, was born in Budapest, Austria-Hungary. Prolific mathematician, physicist, and aerospace engineer, von Kármán is responsible for multiple key advancements in aerodynamics, most notably his work on supersonic and hypersonic airflow characterization.

In 1930, after pursuing multiple engineering and aeronautics degrees and positions throughout Europe, he accepted the directorship of the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology (GALCIT). It was here that he, along with Frank Malina and Jack Parsons, founded Aerojet to manufacture JATO rocket motors. After World War II initiated an increase in militaristic interest in rocket research, von Kármán was repeatedly consulted, and he and his partners at GALCIT went on to found the home of the great work that you all do today, JPL!

At age 81, von Kármán became the first recipient of the National Medal of Science from the Kennedy Administration, recognizing him for his immense contributions to engineering and aerospace. The above image, taken 30 March 1957, represents one of von Kármán’s JPL portraits, taken in his office. CL#21-0725

Want to learn more about the history of JPL?

Visit the JPL Archives
Download JPG
Credit
NASA/JPL-Caltech

Related Topics

Universe Newsletter

Slice of History

Von Kármán Lecture .

The von Kármán Lecture Series: 2023

Lecture Series .

June 2023 - The Universe of Very Cold: The James Webb Space Telescope, MIRI, and the Cryocooler

Lecture Series .

May 2023 - InSight End of Mission: Our Time on Mars

News .

Best of the Internet: NASA Wins Webby Award, 5 People’s Voice Awards for 2023

News .

NASA Selects 10 Scientists for International Mission to Martian Moons

News .

NASA Receives Nine 2023 Webby Award Nominations

News .

Explore JPL to Take Place April 29-30

News .

L.A. Youth Robotics Competition Leaves Student Teams Energized

About JPL
Who We Are
Executive Council
Directors
Careers
Internships
The JPL Story
JPL Achievements
Documentary Series
Annual Reports
Missions
Current
Past
Future
All
News
All
Earth
Solar System
Stars and Galaxies
Subscribe to JPL News
Galleries
Images
Videos
Audio
Podcasts
Apps
Visions of the Future
Slice of History
Robotics at JPL
Events
Lecture Series
Team Competitions
Speakers Bureau
Calendar
Visit
Public Tours
Virtual Tour
Directions and Maps
Topics
JPL Life
Solar System
Mars
Earth
Climate Change
Exoplanets
Stars and Galaxies
Robotics
More
Asteroid Watch
NASA's Eyes Visualizations
Universe - Internal Newsletter
Social Media
Get the Latest from JPL
Follow Us

JPL is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by Caltech.

More from JPL
Careers Education Science & Technology Acquisitions JPL Store
Careers
Education
Science & Technology
Acquisitions
JPL Store
Related NASA Sites
Basics of Spaceflight
Climate Kids
Earth / Global Climate Change
Exoplanet Exploration
Mars Exploration
Solar System Exploration
Space Place
NASA's Eyes Visualization Project
Voyager Interstellar Mission
NASA
Caltech
Privacy
Image Policy
FAQ
Feedback
Site Managers: Veronica McGregor, Randal Jackson
Site Editors: Tony Greicius, Naomi Hartono
CL#: 21-0018