Let's read! READ about some special space heroes. Human computers Before there were reliable computers, there were "human computers". These people were in charge of carrying out complex mathematical calculations by hand. Thanks to these mathematicians, in 1969 humans reached the Moon. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) hired female African-American mathematicians for performing complicated calculations. Their contributions made it possible to plot the flight paths of some of the most iconic missions in space exploration. For example, thanks to their calculations, the astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, in 1962. These women were segregated and not allowed to work with their other colleagues. In those days, white men were in charge of almost all jobs related to science, technology, engineering and maths. These human calculators were invisible for nearly 50 years. Today, they are now recognised as some of the most important people in aerospace history. Their work is considered one of the greatest contributions to humankind. Let's speak! DISCUSS. In the past, did many women work in science, technology, engineering and maths? What about today? Do you know any female scientists, engineers or mathematicians? IMAGINE you are one of the African-American mathematicians working at NASA and you cannot socialise with your colleagues. How would you feel? LANGUAGE MAKERS S PA C E H E R O E S Katherine Johnson did the calculations that made the Apollo 11 mission possible. ANSWER these questions in your notebook. Who were the "human computers"? Why is the work of these women so important? I feel terrible. 102 · o n e h u n d r e d a n d t w o
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