Why did JPL join NASA?

Answer 1

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory didn't "join" NASA - from its beginnings in 1936, it has always been a federally funded R&D center. It was initially run by the Army, and after NASA was created, it was transferred to it and became one of its field centers (others are Goddard, Marshall, Langley, etc.).

The confusion often comes from the public misconception that JPL is a part of CalTech, which it isn't. It is a government center staffed by CalTech employees and private contractors. CalTech manages and operates JPL under contract from NASA, as many similar centers are run. NASA is actually a very small agency - most of those who actually operate centers and perform work are government employees from other agencies or contractors.

Answer 2

JPL, or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, joined NASA in 1958 as a response to the creation of the space agency. JPL had been working on missile and rocket technology for the U.S. Army but transitioned to support NASA's space exploration missions due to its expertise in propulsion and spacecraft technology. By becoming part of NASA, JPL could continue its pioneering work in space exploration with a more focused and collaborative effort.