Born: 1915 (Elk City, Oklahoma)
Died: 1998
Biography:
Mareta Nelle West was an American astrogeologist who made significant contributions to the field of geology and space exploration. Born on August 9, 1915, in Elk City, Oklahoma, she was the first female astrogeologist and played a pivotal role in selecting the site for the first manned lunar landing, Apollo 11.
West came from a long line of Oklahomans, with her grandparents having moved to Indian Territory in 1889. She grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Classen High School. Her passion for geology led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Oklahoma, which she obtained in 1937. During her time at the university, she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
In April 1939, West married Albert Reichard, but they later divorced before the 1940 United States Census. Following her marriage, she began her career as a petroleum geologist in the oil and gas industry, working in Oklahoma City for eleven years. In 1964, West joined the United States Geological Survey in Flagstaff, Arizona, two years after its establishment, becoming the first female astrogeologist.
West’s groundbreaking work as an astrogeologist gained her recognition and acclaim. In 1966, she was elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her most notable achievement was her involvement in the Geology Experiment Team for Apollo 11. As the only woman on the team, she played a crucial role in selecting the site for the first manned lunar landing. Her expertise and knowledge of lunar geography were instrumental in ensuring the success of the mission.
After the Apollo 11 mission, West continued to contribute to the field of astrogeology. She worked on the selection of landing sites for subsequent Apollo missions and also conducted research on lunar and Martian geography. She co-wrote numerous articles and publications, further solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in her field.
Following her retirement, West returned to Oklahoma City, where she remained active in the community and participated in various philanthropic causes. Tragically, Mareta West passed away on November 2, 1998. However, she left an enduring legacy as a pioneer in astrogeology and an inspiration to future generations of women pursuing careers in science.
Awards:
– Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1966)