Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race; Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars

• DOI: 10.1063/pt.3.3429
• Publication Date: 2017-01-04T19:41:59Z
• Authors: Jennifer Levasseur
• Keywords: Rocket (weapon)

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win Space Race, Margot Lee Shetterly, William Morrow, 2016, $27.99 (368 pp.). ISBN 978-0-06-236359-6 Buy at AmazonRise Rocket Girls: Propelled Us, from Missiles to Moon Mars, Nathalia Holt, Little, Brown Co, $27.00 (352 978-0-316-33892-9 AmazonAt perhaps no other moment in US history would stories first female mathematicians engineers NASA resonate as they do following 2016 presidential election. Both Holt Shetterly describe lives previously obscure women “computers” who worked for during earliest phases America’s space program. Shetterly’s Race tells story African computers Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory Hampton, Virginia. Holt’s book, Rise focuses on Jet Propulsion (JPL) southern California. books slant toward popular, nonacademic audiences; a film adaptation book receives nationwide release this month (Hidden Figures, 20th Century Fox, 2016).Shetterly are part growing contingent journalists historians seeking peel back veneer existing institutional histories facilities give insight into hundreds thousands workers propelled program floundering rocket development Sea Tranquility beyond. Each author found inspiration her work personal experiences. was inspired by own life community around Hampton. subject more unusual path; she learned about one JPL while searching online name ideas child.Rise Girls Figures offer moving glimpses pains professional post–World War II Cold technical workplace. forged their career paths, frequently walking fine lines between expected roles wives mothers desire gain fulfillment through careers.The computers’ experiences, however, were markedly different two sides country, particularly terms racial gender barriers faced. Racial less overt JPL, where multiple races ethnicities same offices. In contrast, not integrated until creation 1958. Furthermore, computer positions necessarily limited women, whereas Langley, specific. But whether internally or externally enforced, both locations pigeonholed role computers, lacked advocates management levels might have made advancement possible.Both authors make excellent use primary sources, including oral histories, documents, newspaper articles. When scholarly works cited, it appears only used information. drawing curtain stories, neither nor takes advantage significant scholars race studies; doing so bolstered narratives.Shetterly also dig level internal policy, Margaret Weitekamp did with research pilots tested astronaut training Right Stuff, Wrong Sex: First Program (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2004), relate experiences challenges faced nonwhite males working NASA’s Marshall Flight Center, Richard Paul Steven Moss We Could Not Fail: Americans (University Texas 2015). unfortunately, miss opportunity investigate bigger questions perception reaction movements equality.As woman historian, impossible feel thrilled enlightened Girls. Katherine Johnson, passionate talented mathematician whom profiles, persisted overcoming preconceptions what could contribute human spaceflight. Susan Finley, major figure continues shape planetary exploration projects inspires professionals lab despite lack formal education.Unfortunately, tend jump sudden topic changes can be confusing difficult follow. does distinguish clearly characters profiles those Langley. Admittedly, telling all goals, but reader wonder how common uncommon Johnson others were.For narratives built such large number surprising hear employees NASA, supervised women. voices benefited added depth authors’ descriptions environments. incredible odds pursuing goals simultaneously, I never got sense either set meant programs which worked. What is quite apparent remarkable strength communities support each inside outside workplace.Although engages breadth scholarship issues its predecessors, forge new pathways additional investigations. Taking multibiographical approach complicate narratives, complications necessary stories. experts, well aware uniqueness fields places employment, played important robotic spaceflight, decades being hidden public view. Uncovering will hopefully lead deeper examinations that enrich our understanding backgrounds mean young interested careers science, technology, engineering, mathematics.© 2017 Institute Physics.