NASA NAMES HEADQUARTERS AFTER ENGINEER MARY W. JACKSON
Mary W. Jackson started her NASA career in the segregated West Area Computing
Unit of Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
She worked as one of Langley’s research mathematicians known as human computers
After two years in the computing pool, Jackson received an offer to work in the
4-foot by 4-foot Supersonic Pressure Tunnel…
a 60,000 horsepower wind tunnel capable of blasting models
with winds approaching twice the speed of sound
Her supervisor suggested she enter a training program that would allow
Jackson to earn a promotion from mathematician to engineer
Because the classes were held at then-segregated Hampton High School,
Jackson needed special permission to join her white peers in the classroom
Jackson ultimately completed the necessary courses, and in 1958
she became the first Black female engineer at NASA
And went on to lead programs influencing the hiring and promotion of women in
NASA's science, engineering, and mathematics careers
“Mary never accepted the status quo, she helped break barriers and open opportunities
for African-Americans and women in the field of engineering and technology…”
“Today, we proudly announce the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building …”
"We will continue to recognize the contributions of women, African Americans,
and people of all backgrounds who have made NASA’s successful
history of exploration possible" -Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator
