Rise of the Rocket Girls
Reveals the story of women ‘computers’ behind America’s space exploration.
Summary of 5 Key Points
Key Points
- Breaking gender barriers in the scientific field
- The contribution of women to space exploration
- The work of ‘human computers’ at JPL
- The transformation from missiles to moon landing
- Impact on future space exploration
key point 1 of 5
Breaking gender barriers in the scientific field
In the heart of the 20th century, a group of women at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California began to transform the male-dominated field of rocket science. These women, known as the ‘Rocket Girls,’ were hired as human computers and made critical contributions to various aspects of aerospace research and development. Despite the gender norms of the era that relegated women to domestic roles, the Rocket Girls excelled in complex calculations and problem-solving, essential to the success of the space program…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 5
The contribution of women to space exploration
In an era when the field of space exploration was dominated by men, a group of women, dubbed as ‘Rocket Girls’, significantly contributed to the progress and successful missions of NASA. They were referred to as ‘computers’, whose tasks included making complex calculations to determine rocket trajectories and ensuring spacecraft could return to Earth safely. Despite facing an uphill battle against societal norms and gender stereotypes, these women showed remarkable resilience and dedication to their work, breaking down barriers in the process…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 5
The work of ‘human computers’ at JPL
‘Human computers’ at JPL were a group of talented women who served as the computational force behind some of the most significant space missions in history. Their job involved performing complex calculations to predict the trajectories of spacecraft, such as rockets and satellites. These women would meticulously compute and re-compute each launch to ensure accuracy, analyzing data down to the last decimal point. They were integral in mapping the moon, sending the first American satellite into space, and launching the first successful Mars mission…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 5
The transformation from missiles to moon landing
The transformation from missiles to moon landing begins with the early days when teams were trying to harness the power of rockets for missile development. There was a great deal of research and experimentation during this period, much of it filled with trial and error. The scientists and engineers had to grapple with many challenges, including handling volatile fuels, developing guidance systems, and learning how to build vehicles that could withstand the tremendous heat and pressure of rocket launches and re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 5
Impact on future space exploration
The book chronicles how the ‘Rocket Girls’, a group of women who worked as human computers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the 1940s through 1960s, played a pivotal role in the space race. Their work in early space missions greatly influenced the future of space exploration. They performed complex computations and calculations that enabled successful space flights and satellite launches, setting the groundwork for the exploration of the cosmos. ..Read&Listen More