Annie Easley

Annie Easley was an American computer scientist and mathematician. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1933. She worked at NASA for over 34 years. She helped develop computer programs for rockets and energy research.

Early Life

Easley grew up in the segregated South but her mother encouraged her to get a good education. She started college as a pharmacy student. After reading about twin sisters who worked as human computers at NASA, she applied and got the job. She was one of only four Black employees at the facility.

NASA Career

Easley started as a human computer, doing math calculations by hand. She later learned programming languages and became a computer scientist. She worked on the Centaur rocket, which launched satellites and space probes. She also researched alternative energy sources like solar and wind power.

Fun Facts

• Annie Easley worked at NASA for over 34 years.
• She helped develop the Centaur rocket, one of NASA's most important launch vehicles.
• She earned her college degree while working full-time at NASA, driving 60 miles round trip to class.

Did You Know?

Annie Easley's work on the Centaur rocket helped launch many important space missions, including the Cassini mission to Saturn.