At the confluence of American history and space exploration stand the monumental achievements of a group of African-American women known as “Hidden Figures.” These women worked as human computers, performing complex mathematical calculations that were essential to the success of pivotal space race missions. The term “human computers” itself is a testament to their critical role before the advent of modern computing machinery, where each meticulous calculation brought NASA a step closer to realizing its extraterrestrial aspirations.
Despite operating in the midst of segregation, these women transcended the societal boundaries of their time, contributing to advancements in space computing and laying down the mathematical foundations necessary for significant space missions. Their work not only catapulted astronauts into new frontiers but also set the precedent for gender and racial equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Their stories, once untold, have become a transformative component of American history, offering a fuller portrait of the collective effort that characterized NASA’s golden age.
In the narrative of NASA’s celebrated history, the contributions of four exceptional women stand out. They transcended barriers and laid the groundwork for future explorations into the cosmos through their contributions in mathematics, engineering, and aeronautics during the agency’s golden age.
Katherine Johnson, a mathematician whose precision and analytical skills proved critical to the success of many NASA missions, performed the complex orbital calculations that ensured safe crewed spaceflights. Her trajectory analysis for John Glenn’s orbit around the Earth was pivotal in the astronaut’s historic 1962 mission, marking her as a key figure in spaceflight history.
As a mathematician and human computer at Langley Research Center, Dorothy Vaughan was the first African American woman to supervise a group of staff at the center. Her leadership and expertise in computer programming set the stage for future technological advancements in space computations.
Mary Jackson, an engineer, made significant contributions to aeronautics, including airflow analysis. She broke through multiple barriers, becoming the first African American woman engineer at NASA. Her work influenced the design and improved the performance of U.S. air and spacecraft.
An aeronautical engineer, Christine Darden was known for her research on supersonic flight and sonic booms. Holding a distinguished career at NASA, her work led to advancements in the understanding of high-speed flight and the development of more efficient airplanes.
In the era of “Hidden Figures,” the intersecting forces of racism and sexism created formidable barriers that African-American women mathematicians had to navigate to contribute to the space race.
African-American women faced a dual prejudice defined by their race and gender. They were often referred to as “colored computers,” a term that denoted their relegated position in the workforce due to the segregationist policies of the time. Despite the pervasive racism and sexism, these women exhibited remarkable resilience. By honing their mathematical abilities and fostering a sense of unity among themselves, they not only excelled in their roles but also paved the way for future generations to pursue the American dream free from discrimination.
The civil rights movement played a pivotal role in changing workplace dynamics of the time. It provided a socio-political backdrop that pressured institutions, like NASA, to reassess their discriminatory practices. This movement, alongside the determination of these black women mathematicians, began the gradual dismantling of institutional barriers. Their pursuit of equality and recognition in a field dominated by white males stands as a testament to their indomitable spirit and the broader quest for civil rights.
As humanity reached for the stars, the evolution of computing played a pivotal role in space exploration. This section delves into the transformation from manual calculations to sophisticated electronic systems that have become the backbone of mission control and space endeavors.
Space exploration owes a great deal to the human computers who initially undertook the complex calculations required for space missions. These individuals, often talented mathematicians, manually computed trajectories and other vital mission details. However, with the introduction of electronic computers, a dramatic shift occurred. This advancement not only enhanced the precision of calculations but also significantly accelerated the processing of vast amounts of data necessary for space exploration.
IBM, a key player in the early years of space computing, introduced a range of electronic computers which contributed to major advances in the field. Their systems facilitated various aspects of space missions, from design and testing to launch and monitoring. IBM’s innovations in programming and computing hardware helped to establish a robust technological foundation for mission control, allowing for real-time data analysis and decision-making during critical mission phases. This reliable computing infrastructure proved to be indispensable for both near-Earth and deep space missions.
In the annals of space exploration, several key missions stand out for their groundbreaking achievements and their contributions to the understanding of space. Two significant milestones include Alan Shepard’s historic flight, which marked America’s first human spaceflight, and Apollo 11’s moon landing, a monumental event during the space race that showcased the capabilities of the U.S. space program.
On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into space aboard the Freedom 7 spacecraft. His suborbital flight was a response to the Soviet Union’s earlier success with Yuri Gagarin’s orbit of Earth, intensifying the space race between the two superpowers. Shepard’s mission, though brief, proved the United States could match the Soviets in space and ignited a fierce competition for supremacy beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
The Apollo 11 mission, which took place in July 1969, culminated with astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landing on the Moon’s surface. This mission not only fulfilled President John F. Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the Moon by the end of the 1960s but also served as a symbol of victory for the U.S. in the space race against the Soviets. The expertise and calculations of numerous individuals, including those chronicled in the narrative of “Hidden Figures,” were integral to the success of the mission, highlighting the collective effort behind America’s achievements in space.
The story of the African-American women mathematicians at NASA has made a profound impact on culture and garnered significant recognition across various mediums, allowing their once-overshadowed achievements to inspire numerous fields.
Margot Lee Shetterly brought to light the achievements of these brilliant mathematicians with her detailed research and evocative narrative. Her book, “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race”, is not just a recount of history but a testament to the convergence of race, gender, and scientific endeavors.
The book’s adaptation into a Hollywood feature film brought mainstream attention. With compelling performances by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, the film depicted the women’s careers and challenges within NASA. Directed by Theodore Melfi and featuring supporting roles by Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, and Jim Parsons, it received critical acclaim.
The legacy of these women extends into arts and education. Their story is utilized to inspire students in STEM fields, particularly young women and people of color. Exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs often reference the “Hidden Figures,” underscoring the importance of diversity in scientific achievement and the ongoing influence of their story in dismantling barriers and expanding opportunities in sciences.
While the story of the women featured in “Hidden Figures” is well-known, numerous other women have made significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including many groundbreaking African American women mathematicians and engineers who have paved the way for future generations.
The realm of space computing and mathematics has seen the influence of many female pioneers whose stories remain largely unsung. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT in nuclear physics, stands as a beacon for women in engineering. Her research paved the way for developments in telecommunications, including the touch-tone phone and caller ID. Likewise, mathematician Dr. Christine Darden, part of the “human computer” team at NASA, contributed to advancements in aeronautical design, particularly in reducing sonic booms.
Katherine Johnson has become emblematic of the contributions of African-Americans in space travel; however, engineers like Dr. Mae Jemison, who became the first African-American woman in space, continue to inspire and shape the trajectory of space programs. Their stories are not simply stories; they are enduring legacies that continue to influence modern space exploration.
The impact of these trailblazing women extends far beyond their individual achievements. Their struggles for recognition and subsequent successes have laid a foundation for female programmers and black women engineers. For instance, Kimberly Bryant, the founder of Black Girls CODE, is creating educational opportunities for young African-American girls in coding and technology, helping to ensure a more diverse and inclusive future in STEM fields. Organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers play a pivotal role in supporting black women mathematicians and engineers, fostering a community that encourages academic excellence and professional success.
The stories of these women are more than historical footnotes; they are catalysts of change, continually inspiring future generations of engineers to strive for the stars. With more inclusive programming and mentorship guided by the examples of these extraordinary women, the enterprise of human space exploration moves forward, fueled by the richness of diversity and the strength of determination.
Explore the real stories and challenges of the trailblazing women mathematicians of NASA whose contributions were critical to the success of the Space Race.
Hidden Figures chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who were instrumental in the success of NASA’s early space missions. They are known for their skill in complex manual calculations that powered space exploration.
These pioneering women faced significant racial and gender discrimination in the 1960s. Despite the barriers, they exhibited exceptional mathematical talent and determination, paving the way for critical calculations for successful space missions.
Hidden Figures is widely recognized for its faithful representation of the central roles that Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson played within NASA, bolstering the accuracy of the Space Race narrative.
The mathematicians featured in Hidden Figures played pivotal roles in developing computing methods for orbital mechanics, which were vital to the trajectory calculations for Project Mercury and Apollo missions.
Without the critical contributions of these women, key NASA missions may not have been successful. Their work helped ensure the precise launch and safe return of American astronauts during a transformative time in space exploration.
The film exposes the underrepresentation and undervaluing of African American women in technology and science fields during the era, raising awareness of the contributions they made despite widespread institutional discrimination.
