Learn About the First Black Women in Space Exploration & The first African-American Woman to Travel into Space

In the pioneer days of space exploration, African American women took on the role of "Human Computers". These "Human Computers" measured the complicated equations by hand, designing complex mathematical and integrated calculations that enabled America to champion the success of USA's Space Program introduced by President John F. Kennedy. The African American women "Computers" provided a critical role in advancing NASA and it's mandate. Margot Lee Shetterly. Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dorothy Vaughan were especially prominent during this period in history and with their tenacity and wisdom helped one of the first American astronauts, John Glenn, orbit Earth in 1962 and ensured the safe return of the spacecraft and it's astronaut. This episode includes their stories along with many other African-American women dedicated to space exploration as military pilots, engineers, scientists and physicians. These women have made American history with contributions that include participating in space shuttle missions to perform critical tasks such as deploying and retrieving satellites, performing spacewalks, conducting science and technology research and designing and implementing rocket propulsion vessels for the robotic exploration of space. Featuring: Margot Lee Shetterly, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Jeanette Jo Epps, Jessica Watkins, Stephanie D. Wilson, Mae C. Jemison and Yvonne Carroll.