In the popular narrative of the space race, the spotlight has been largely focused on the accomplishments of male astronauts, scientists and engineers, leaving out the contributions of the women who played a pivotal role in NASA’s success. These women, also known as the “hidden figures”, were mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists who helped launch the first Americans into space. Their story is one of perseverance, resilience, and dedication in the face of gender and racial barriers.

Overcoming Barriers: The Challenges Faced by the Women of NASA

At a time when segregation and gender discrimination were rampant, these women broke down barriers and shattered stereotypes. Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan were among the most notable women who made significant contributions to NASA's space program. They were often forced to work in separate offices, bathrooms, and dining areas from their male colleagues and faced challenges in securing promotions and recognition for their work.

As Katherine Johnson, the African-American mathematician who calculated the trajectory of the first American in space, said, “We needed to be assertive as women in those days – assertive and aggressive – and the degree to which we had to be that way depended on where you were. I had to be. In the early days of NASA, women were not allowed to put their names on the reports – no matter how significant their contributions were.”

Celebrating Their Legacy: Remembering the Contributions of the Hidden Figures

Despite the obstacles they faced, the women of NASA made crucial contributions to the space race. They were responsible for computing complex mathematical equations, developing computer software, and designing spacecrafts that helped astronauts safely travel to and from space. Without their contributions, NASA may not have achieved the remarkable accomplishments that it did during the space race. Their legacy is finally being recognized and celebrated through books, films, and documentaries, including the best-selling book and subsequent film "Hidden Figures" which brought their story to the forefront. It’s important to honor and remember the contributions of these women who played a significant role in NASA's success.