Born: 1928 (Columbus, Ohio)
Biography:
Barbara Jean Paulson (née Lewis; born April 11, 1928) was an American human computer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and one of the first female scientists employed there. Born in Columbus, Ohio on April 11, 1928, Paulson was raised with three siblings – two older sisters and one younger brother. Tragedy struck when she was 12 years old, as her father passed away.
From a young age, Paulson displayed a passion for mathematics and decided to pursue it further. While her sisters opted for shorthand, Paulson took four years of Latin and math in high school and aimed to become a mathematician instead of a secretary. After completing one year at Ohio State University, Paulson’s sister, who was already working in Pasadena, convinced their mother to move the family there as well. In 1947, the family relocated to Pasadena, California, marking the beginning of Paulson’s career at JPL.
Paulson joined the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1948 as a computer, tasked with calculating rocket trajectories by hand. Her work involved intricate mathematical calculations for the MGM-5 Corporal, the first guided missile designed by the United States to carry a nuclear warhead. Paulson and her colleagues were even given the opportunity to sign their names on the 100th Corporal rocket before its transport to the White Sands test range. Unfortunately, the rocket exploded shortly after liftoff, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by scientists in the early days of space exploration.
On January 31, 1958, Paulson was assigned to the operations center for Explorer-1, the first satellite of the United States, launched as part of the Space Race with the Soviet Union. Despite having minimal equipment consisting of a mechanical pencil, light table, and graph paper, Paulson’s meticulous calculations played a crucial role in the successful launch and operation of the satellite.
In 1960, when Paulson was 32 years old and expecting her first child, she requested a closer parking space at work due to her pregnancy. However, JPL did not employ pregnant women at the time, and keeping a pregnant woman on staff would have caused insurance policy problems. Consequently, she was forced to quit her position. The absence of maternity leave and the lack of policies supporting pregnant women meant that women who were fired or forced to quit their positions had no job to return to after giving birth.
Fortunately, Paulson’s supervisor, Helen Ling, recognized the importance of supporting women who had to leave their jobs due to pregnancy and worked tirelessly to rehire them. In 1961, when Paulson’s daughter was seven months old, Ling offered her the opportunity to return to the lab. Grateful for the chance to continue her work, Paulson accepted Ling’s offer and resumed her career at JPL.
Throughout her time at JPL, Barbara Paulson made significant contributions to the field of space exploration. She exemplified determination, resilience, and dedication to her work, even in the face of societal and institutional challenges. Her pioneering role as one of the first female scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory paved the way for future generations of women in STEM, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions and break through barriers.