With a major political party in the United States finally nominating a woman to run for President--truly a history-making development--I thought it would be good to explore some of the contributions made by women to our Space Program.
One of the great, untold stories of the post-war era is about the remarkable group of women who “propelled us” into space. A wonderful new book by Nathalia Holt (published in April 2016), titled RISE OF THE ROCKET GIRLS, is a terrific place to begin your exploration. Divided into four sections that focus on the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s to the present, the book focuses on the fortunes (and misfortunes) of four particular women (though others--like Barby Canright, Marcie Roberts, and Janez Lawson--are mentioned and explored more briefly): Barbara Paulson, Helen Ling, Susan Finley, and Sylvia Miller.
Here’s a portion of the liner notes:
“In the 1940s and 50s, when the newly minted Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed quick-thinking mathematicians to calculate velocities and plot trajectories, they didn't turn to male graduates. Rather, they recruited an elite group of young women who, with only pencil, paper, and mathematical prowess, transformed rocket design, helped bring about the first American satellites, and made the exploration of the solar system possible. . .. For the first time, Rise of the Rocket Girls tells the stories of these women--known as "human computers"--who broke the boundaries of both gender and science. Based on extensive research and interviews with all the living members of the team, Rise of the Rocket Girls offers a unique perspective on the role of women in science: both where we've been, and the far reaches of space to which we're heading.” © 2016 Little, Brown and Co.
http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Rocket-Girls-Propelled-Missiles/dp/0316338923?ie=UTF8&keywords=rise%20of%20the%20rocket%20girls&qid=1465323511&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1
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