Annie Easley was a NASA mathematician and computer programmer who helped develop code for rocket systems, energy-conversion research, and battery technologies. She is especially known for her work supporting the Centaur rocket program and for helping open doors for women and Black professionals in STEM.

Quick Scoop

  • She started at NASA’s predecessor, NACA, as a “human computer” and later became a computer scientist.
  • Her programming supported the Centaur upper-stage rocket and other space missions.
  • She also worked on alternative energy, batteries, and energy-conservation systems.
  • Later in her career, she served as an Equal Employment Opportunity counselor and helped address discrimination issues at NASA.

If you want, I can also give you a 1-sentence version or a kid-friendly version.