The story of Hidden Figures, a movie based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, has captivated audiences worldwide with its inspiring tale of three African-American women who made significant contributions to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the early years of the space program. The film takes viewers on a journey through the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, showcasing their struggles, triumphs, and dedication to their work. One of the most intriguing aspects of the movie is the location where these women worked, which played a crucial role in their stories.
Introduction to NASA’s Langley Research Center
The main location featured in Hidden Figures is the Langley Research Center, located in Hampton, Virginia. Established in 1917 as the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, it was the first research facility of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA in 1958. The center was named after Samuel Pierpont Langley, a renowned astronomer and aviation pioneer. Langley Research Center was instrumental in the development of the United States’ aeronautics and space programs, serving as a hub for innovative research and engineering.
West Area Computers and the Role of African-American Women
Within the Langley Research Center, there existed a segregated unit known as the West Area Computers, where African-American women, including Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, worked as mathematicians and engineers. This unit was located in a separate building from the main facilities, reflecting the segregation and racism that these women faced during their time at NASA. Despite these challenges, the West Area Computers played a vital role in the success of NASA’s early space missions, with their calculations and analyses proving crucial to the safety and accuracy of flight trajectories.
| Employee | Role | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Katherine Johnson | Mathematician | Calculated trajectories for Project Mercury and the Apollo 11 mission |
| Dorothy Vaughan | Mathematician and Supervisor | Led the West Area Computers and advocated for the promotion of African-American women within NASA |
| Mary Jackson | Engineer | Became one of the first African-American female engineers at NASA, working on the development of the Saturn V rocket |
The Historical Context of NASA’s Langley Research Center
During the 1940s and 1950s, the United States was in the midst of the Cold War, and the space race between the US and the Soviet Union was gaining momentum. NASA’s Langley Research Center played a critical role in this effort, with its researchers and engineers working tirelessly to develop new technologies and push the boundaries of space exploration. The center’s proximity to the Hampton Roads region, with its rich history of shipbuilding and aerospace manufacturing, made it an ideal location for the development of the US space program.
Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on NASA
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s had a significant impact on NASA, as the agency began to address issues of segregation and discrimination within its workforce. The story of Hidden Figures is set against this backdrop, with Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson facing numerous challenges as they navigated the segregated facilities and discriminatory practices of the time. Despite these obstacles, they persevered, using their talents and dedication to make significant contributions to the success of NASA’s early space missions.
The legacy of these women continues to inspire new generations of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, and their story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. The location of Hidden Figures, NASA's Langley Research Center, remains an important part of this story, a symbol of the ingenuity and innovation that defined the early years of the US space program.
What was the significance of the West Area Computers at NASA’s Langley Research Center?
+The West Area Computers was a segregated unit of African-American women who worked as mathematicians and engineers at NASA’s Langley Research Center. Despite facing segregation and discrimination, they played a vital role in the success of NASA’s early space missions, with their calculations and analyses proving crucial to the safety and accuracy of flight trajectories.
Who were the main characters featured in the movie Hidden Figures?
+The main characters featured in the movie Hidden Figures were Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked as mathematicians and engineers at NASA’s Langley Research Center during the early years of the space program.
What was the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on NASA?
+The Civil Rights Movement had a significant impact on NASA, as the agency began to address issues of segregation and discrimination within its workforce. The story of Hidden Figures is set against this backdrop, with Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson facing numerous challenges as they navigated the segregated facilities and discriminatory practices of the time.
