NASA's 'Hidden Figures' Honored with Congressional Gold Medals

Trailblazing Women Recognized for Contributions to Space Exploration

In a historic ceremony at the US Capitol, four extraordinary women who played pivotal roles in NASA's early space missions were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress.

The honorees, known as the "Hidden Figures," were:

• Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who calculated rocket trajectories
• Dorothy Vaughan, a mathematician and the first African American supervisor at NASA
• Christine Darden, a mathematician and engineer who worked on the Apollo missions
• Mary Jackson, an engineer who became NASA's first Black female engineer

Their contributions were largely overlooked during their time, but their brilliance and determination paved the way for future generations of scientists and engineers.

Overcoming Barriers and Making History

The Hidden Figures faced significant challenges as women of color working in a male-dominated field at a time of racial segregation.

Despite these barriers, they persevered through prejudice and discrimination, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams.

Their stories have been brought to light in recent years through the best-selling book and acclaimed film "Hidden Figures," which has helped to shed light on the invaluable role they played in America's space exploration.

Recognizing Their Legacy

The Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the Hidden Figures' extraordinary contributions.

By awarding them this honor, the United States Congress has officially recognized their role in shaping the course of human space exploration.

Inspiring Future Generations

The Hidden Figures' legacy continues to inspire young people, particularly women and minorities, to pursue careers in STEM.

Their stories demonstrate that anything is possible with hard work, perseverance, and a belief in oneself.

The Congressional Gold Medals awarded to the Hidden Figures serve as a reminder of the important role they played in the past and the ongoing impact they have on the future of space exploration and beyond.