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NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston will recognize legendary human computer Dorothy Vaughan and the women of Apollo with activities marking their achievements, including a renaming and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the center\u2019s \u201cBuilding 12,\u201d on Friday, July 19, the eve of the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.<\/p>\n
At 9 a.m. CDT, NASA Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche will begin with a discussion about the importance of Vaughan and the women of Apollo\u2019s contributions to the agency\u2019s lunar landing program and their significance to today\u2019s Artemis campaign. Other highlights include a poetry reading, a recital by Texas Southern University\u2019s Dr. Thomas F. Freeman Debate Team, and a \u201cWomen in Human Spaceflight\u201d panel discussion.<\/p>\n
The panel in NASA Johnson\u2019s Teague Auditorium will be moderated by Debbie Korth, the agency\u2019s Orion Program deputy manager, and include:<\/p>\n
Following the program, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at Building 12, which will thereafter be named the \u201cDorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of the Women of Apollo.\u201d The dedication is a tribute to the people who made humanity\u2019s first steps on the Moon possible.<\/p>\n
All interested media must request credentials by 12 p.m. Thursday, July 18, by email at jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov or by calling the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111. Media should arrive onsite for setup by 8:15 a.m. July 19, at the Teague Auditorium in Building 2 South. U.S. media are invited to attend and will have an opportunity to ask questions during the panel discussion and may request brief interviews with available NASA officials following the ribbon cutting.<\/p>\n
Distinguished guests are expected to include local elected officials, NASA senior leadership, members of NASA\u2019s Alumni League, and the families of Dorothy Vaughan and the women of Apollo.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of NASA\u2019s 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,\u201d Wyche said. \u201cAs we prepare to return to the Moon for long-term science and exploration, NASA\u2019s Artemis missions will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon. It\u2019s a privilege to dedicate Johnson\u2019s Building 12 to the innovative women who laid the foundation to our nation\u2019s space program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vaughan\u2019s personal commitment and determination during the Apollo missions advanced the agency\u2019s current diverse workforce and leadership \u2013 particularly at Johnson \u2014 as human computers transitioned from Langley Research Center in Virginia to Houston, supporting Mission Control from Building 12. She was a steadfast advocate for the women who worked as human computers, and for all the individuals under her leadership.<\/p>\n
Learn about the life and legacy of Dorothy Vaughan here:<\/p>\n