Mary Jackson

NASA's first African-American female engineer who revolutionized aerospace design and workplace diversity

Mary Jackson (1921-2005) shattered multiple barriers as NASA's first Black female engineer. Her aerodynamic analysis improved supersonic aircraft and spacecraft designs, directly contributing to America's space exploration capabilities.

After joining Langley Research Center in 1951, Jackson petitioned to attend all-white Hampton High School for engineering courses when Virginia's segregation laws blocked professional advancement. Her legal victory enabled:

• Breakthrough research on wind tunnel experiments
• Improved airflow modeling for Mercury capsule design
• Pioneering work on Apollo program components

Later in her career, Jackson shifted to Federal Women's Program management, advocating for hiring/promotion of female STEM professionals. The Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters now bears her name, cementing her legacy in aerospace history.