Katherine Johnson, a mathematical prodigy, joined Langley in the early 1950s and quickly became an integral part of the team, known for her exceptional trajectory calculations which significantly contributed to the success of the American space program. Her work and dedication earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

Mary Jackson was a determined and talented mathematician, who became NASA’s first female African American engineer after overcoming segregation barriers in education. She later contributed to human resources to help create more opportunities for other women.

Christine Darden, the youngest of the four, began her career at Langley in the late 1960s, eventually focusing on sonic boom research. Her skills in programming and engineering led to numerous contributions to aeronautics, and she continued to advance her education, earning a doctorate in mechanical engineering.