The Forgotten Women Who Helped Launch the Space Age

2. Engineering the Future: The Trailblazing Work of Mary Sherman Morgan

Mary Sherman Morgan, often referred to as "America's first female rocket scientist," played a pivotal role in the development of rocket propellants. Her most notable contribution was the invention of Hydyne, a propellant that powered the Jupiter-C rocket that launched the United States' first satellite, Explorer 1, into orbit. Despite her significant achievements, Morgan's work remained largely unrecognized during her lifetime. Her story, brought to light by her son in the biography "Rocket Girl," underscores the challenges faced by women in science and engineering fields during the mid-20th century. Morgan's legacy is a testament to the critical role women have played in advancing space technology.