NASA's 'Hidden Figures' Awarded Congressional Gold Medals

The pioneering Black women mathematicians and engineers were honored for their critical contributions to the U.S. space program.

Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden were recognized for their groundbreaking work during the space race.
A fifth medal was awarded to all women who served as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at NASA and its precursor, NACA, from the 1930s to the 1970s.
The ceremony was held at Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol, with family members accepting the medals on behalf of the honorees.
The achievements of these women were popularized by Margot Lee Shetterly's book 'Hidden Figures' and its subsequent film adaptation.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other officials praised the honorees for laying the foundation for modern space exploration and inspiring future generations.