A group of Black female scientists and mathematicians known as NASA's "Hidden Figures" were recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to space exploration by being awarded Congressional Gold Medals, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress. The awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, honored Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Christine Darden, alongside other women who played pivotal roles in shaping the U.S. space program during the intense space race era.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson lauded the remarkable achievements of these women, highlighting how their courage and innovative thinking paved the way for monumental advancements in space exploration. These "Hidden Figures" were instrumental in key projects such as the 1969 Apollo 11 mission that ultimately led the U.S. to become the first country to successfully land on the moon, surpassing rival countries like the Soviet Union.

Working in a segregated unit at NASA's Langley Research Center, these four talented individuals, dubbed "human computers" for their exceptional mathematical skills, were instrumental in calculating vital projections for significant missions, including the historic Apollo 11 endeavor. Katherine Johnson, in particular, played a crucial role in ensuring the successful orbit of astronaut John Glenn around the Earth in 1962, illustrating her exceptional proficiency in complex orbital calculations.

In addition to their mathematical prowess, the women achieved groundbreaking milestones within NASA. Mary Jackson became the organization's first Black female engineer in 1958, while Dorothy Vaughan became the first Black female supervisor at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in 1949. Christine Darden, renowned for her research on sonic booms and supersonic aircraft noise, attained the distinction of being the first Black woman in NASA's Langley Research Center to reach the senior executive service level.