Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars

As we open the story of space exploration, imagine a time when the very idea of rockets soaring beyond the atmosphere was still considered borderline science fiction. Yet, in the late 1930s and early 1940s, a group of young, fearless scientists known colloquially as the Suicide Squad dared to experiment with rocket propulsion on the campus of Caltech. Their experiments were so volatile and dangerous that they earned this ominous nickname, reflecting not only the physical risks but also the skepticism they faced from the broader scientific community. This daring spirit laid the foundation for what would become the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a hub of innovation and discovery.

Despite their dreams of exploring space, the harsh realities of the time meant that JPL’s early funding came from military sources, especially during World War II. The army saw potential in rocket planes that could assist bombers in taking off from short runways using jet-assisted takeoff technology. This pragmatic military interest ensured the survival and growth of JPL during its formative years. These early rocket planes were the first American aircraft powered solely by rockets, marking a pivotal moment in aviation history.

Amidst this backdrop of innovation, a group of women stepped into roles that were crucial yet often overlooked. Long before electronic computers revolutionized data processing, these women served as human computers, performing complex mathematical calculations by hand. They worked tirelessly with pencils, paper, and early calculating machines to process trajectory data and rocket equations. Their precision and dedication were essential to the success of early rocket launches and missile tests.

These women faced a world where career options for them were limited to teaching, nursing, or secretarial work. Yet at JPL, they found a unique space to apply their mathematical talents and support groundbreaking scientific endeavors. Under the leadership of early supervisors who championed hiring women, the computer department became a sanctuary of female expertise and camaraderie. This nurturing environment allowed women to thrive professionally in an era when such opportunities were scarce. Their work was not just about numbers; it was about breaking barriers and redefining possibilities.

As the rockets soared higher, so did the ambitions of these women. Their journey from hand calculations to the brink of the space age is a testament to resilience and vision. This story sets the stage for the incredible transformations that would follow, both in technology and in the roles women would play in the cosmos. Understanding this beginning is vital to appreciating the profound impact these women had on space exploration.

With this foundation laid, we now turn our gaze to the critical projects and technological innovations that propelled JPL from a small lab experimenting with rocket planes to a powerhouse of space exploration.