NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston is set to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dorothy Vaughan and the women of the Apollo program. This celebration will culminate in a renaming and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Building 12, which will henceforth be known as the “Dorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of the Women of Apollo.” This event is scheduled for Friday, July 19, on the eve of the 55th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing.
The festivities will kick off at 9 a.m. CDT with NASA Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche leading a discussion on the pivotal roles played by Dorothy Vaughan and the women of Apollo in the lunar landing program. Wyche will also highlight the enduring impact of their contributions on current and future space missions, particularly the Artemis campaign. This initiative aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon, showcasing NASA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The event will feature a variety of activities to honor these trailblazing women. Attendees can look forward to a poetry reading and a recital by Texas Southern University’s Dr. Thomas F. Freeman Debate Team. One of the key highlights will be a “Women in Human Spaceflight” panel discussion, which promises to offer insightful perspectives on the contributions of women in the space industry.
Moderated by Debbie Korth, the deputy manager of NASA’s Orion Program, the panel will include several distinguished individuals:
- Christina Koch, NASA astronaut
- Sandy Johnson, CEO of Barrios Technology
- Lara Kearney, manager of NASA’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program
- Andrea Mosie, manager and senior sample processor at NASA’s Lunar Materials Repository Laboratory
- Dr. Shirley Price, former NASA Equal Opportunity specialist
Following the panel discussion, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at Building 12, officially renaming it in honor of Dorothy Vaughan and the women of Apollo. This dedication ceremony is a heartfelt tribute to the people who made humanity’s first steps on the Moon possible.
Media representatives interested in covering the event must request credentials by 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 18. They can do so by emailing jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov or calling the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111. Media personnel are advised to arrive by 8:15 a.m. on July 19 for setup at the Teague Auditorium in Building 2 South. U.S. media attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions during the panel discussion and may request brief interviews with available NASA officials following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event is expected to draw distinguished guests, including local elected officials, NASA senior leadership, members of NASA’s Alumni League, and the families of Dorothy Vaughan and the women of Apollo. Their presence will underscore the significance of this historic occasion.
In a statement, Vanessa Wyche expressed her pride in hosting this event, saying, “On behalf of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, we are proud to host this historic event as the agency honors the significant contributions women have made to the space industry, particularly trailblazers who persevered against many challenges of their era. As we prepare to return to the Moon for long-term science and exploration, NASA’s Artemis missions will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon. It’s a privilege to dedicate Johnson’s Building 12 to the innovative women who laid the foundation to our nation’s space program.”
Dorothy Vaughan’s legacy is one of perseverance and dedication. During the Apollo missions, she played a crucial role in advancing the agency’s diverse workforce and leadership, particularly at Johnson Space Center. As human computers transitioned from Langley Research Center in Virginia to Houston, they supported Mission Control from Building 12. Vaughan was a steadfast advocate for the women who worked as human computers and for all individuals under her leadership.
For those interested in learning more about Dorothy Vaughan’s life and legacy, NASA has provided a detailed biography, which can be accessed here.
The recognition of Dorothy Vaughan and the women of Apollo is a testament to their invaluable contributions to space exploration. Their work laid the groundwork for the achievements of today’s space missions and the future endeavors of NASA. This dedication ceremony is not just a celebration of the past but a beacon of inspiration for future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
As we reflect on the achievements of these remarkable women, it is essential to acknowledge the broader context of their contributions. The Apollo program, which culminated in the historic Moon landing in 1969, was a monumental achievement in human history. The success of this program was made possible by the collective efforts of thousands of individuals, including the often-overlooked contributions of women like Dorothy Vaughan.
Vaughan’s role as a human computer involved complex mathematical calculations that were critical to the success of space missions. Before the advent of electronic computers, human computers performed these calculations manually. Vaughan and her colleagues at NASA’s Langley Research Center were instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these calculations, which were vital for mission planning and execution.
In addition to her technical expertise, Vaughan was a trailblazer in advocating for the inclusion and advancement of women and people of color in the space industry. Her leadership and mentorship paved the way for future generations of diverse talent at NASA. Today, her legacy is reflected in the agency’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as exemplified by the Artemis program’s goal of landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
The recognition of Vaughan and the women of Apollo also serves as a reminder of the importance of representation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. By honoring these trailblazers, NASA is sending a powerful message about the value of diversity in driving innovation and progress. This celebration is not just about commemorating past achievements but also about inspiring future generations to pursue careers in STEM and contribute to the advancement of human knowledge and exploration.
As we look to the future, the Artemis program represents the next chapter in human space exploration. Building on the legacy of the Apollo program, Artemis aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars. The program’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion reflects NASA’s recognition of the critical role that diverse perspectives and experiences play in driving innovation and achieving ambitious goals.
In conclusion, the dedication of Building 12 as the “Dorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of the Women of Apollo” is a fitting tribute to the remarkable contributions of these trailblazing women. Their legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of space exploration. As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded of the power of perseverance, dedication, and the importance of diversity in driving progress. This event is not just a celebration of the past but a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of explorers and innovators.
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