The Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Black NASA Movie 'Hidden Figures'

In a time when racial and gender inequality were rampant, three African-American women played a crucial role in calculating trajectories and launch windows for NASA's most significant space missions. Their story, which has been largely untold until now, is brought to life in the movie 'Hidden Figures,' a film that follows the journey of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson as they worked behind the scenes at NASA.

The movie stars Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monae as Mary Jackson. The three actresses bring to life the real-life women who worked tirelessly to ensure that America's space program was successful. Henson, who plays Johnson, is no stranger to playing strong female characters. In an interview with THR, she revealed that she had to work hard to get into character, studying Johnson's mannerisms and asking her many questions.

The movie focuses on the early years of NASA, when African-Americans and women were not respected in the workplace. Johnson, who was hired by NASA in 1953, struggled to receive equal recognition for her work, despite being a brilliant mathematician and physicist. She worked under segregated conditions as a 'computer,' calculating trajectories and launch windows for many famous space flights.

The film also explores the challenges faced by Vaughan and Jackson, two other African-American women who worked at NASA during this time. Vaughan was a supervisor and math whiz who was determined to prove herself in a male-dominated field, while Jackson was an engineer who fought to integrate the segregated facilities at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, the three women worked together to solve mathematical equations for NASA, helping to put the first man in orbit. Their story is a testament to their determination and perseverance, and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for change.

'Hidden Figures' has received widespread critical acclaim, earning several Oscar nominations, including best picture, best supporting actress for Spencer, and best adapted screenplay for Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi. The film has also earned accolades from the SAG Awards, winning best ensemble.

In conclusion, 'Hidden Figures' is a powerful movie that tells the untold story of three African-American women who played a crucial role in NASA's success. With its talented cast, engaging storyline, and historical significance, it is a must-see for anyone interested in the black NASA movie or the history of space exploration.

Black nasa movie