NASA recognizes the groundbreaking contributions of the women who helped land the first astronauts on the Moon, awarding them Congressional Gold Medals.
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| NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivers a moving tribute to the pioneers of the space race, celebrating their courage, imagination, and lasting legacy. Image Credit: NASA |
Washington, USA – September 19, 2024:
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivered a heartfelt tribute to the women of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the space race. During the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on Wednesday, Nelson praised the "remarkable things that NASA achieves" as a result of these pioneering figures.
Among those honored were Mary Jackson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Katherine Johnson, whose mathematical brilliance played a crucial role in the success of NASA's Apollo Program. Nelson expressed his gratitude to the members of Congress who championed the legislation to award these medals, including the late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Senators Chris Coons, Kamala Harris, Lisa Murkowski, Shelley Moore Capito, and Congressman Frank Lucas.
Nelson emphasized the significance of the Hidden Figures' legacy, stating that their "courage and imagination brought us to the Moon." He also highlighted the ongoing work of NASA's current generation of scientists and engineers, including Andrea Mosie, who has dedicated nearly 50 years to overseeing the Apollo sample program.
Looking to the future, Nelson expressed hope that the lessons learned from the Hidden Figures will inspire future generations of space explorers and scientists. He concluded his remarks by emphasizing NASA's commitment to continuing its journey of discovery, "sailing on the cosmic sea to far off cosmic shores."