Nowadays mechanical intelligence is often chosen over that of our own human capabilities. But there was a time where our computers were still not always a match against our own organic brain power. When the Space Race of the late 1950's to mid-1970's between the Soviet Union and the U.S. was keeping everyone on the edge of their seats, NASA found not mechanical intelligence, but the human brain up for the complex tasks necessary to make rocketry experiments, satellite launches and space missions a success. But who were these capable humans that made all of this happen?

Organic computing

The Human Computers were a group of highly skilled women with backgrounds in mathematics who were working for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (the JPL). These women have been responsible for performing hundreds of thousands of calculations for numerous missions. Some noteworthy operations were the ground-breaking first flight into space, the launch of the Explore 1 satellite and the trajectory for Apollo 11's moon landing. Their work has been crucial to the development of America's space program. At a time where white men dominated all of the professional technical fields, the Human Computers were an important step towards the emancipation of women and people of colour.

Mary Jackson, ‘The Human Computers’, NASA, United States, 1980.

But why humans?

Our early mechanical computers were enormous in size and computing capacities were in many cases far less powerful than that of humans. Human intelligence at that time was much more efficient in performing actions such as executing rapid calculations and graphing data points on trajectories. When a spacecraft is launched, the vehicle sends out telemetry signals back to earth that gives information on its whereabouts. But due to the movement of the spacecraft that change all the time, revealing its exact location demands of rapid calculations which computers of that era weren't capable of. Nowadays the capacities of our computers have surpassed most of our brain's potential, but not in full. In modern space exploration joint efforts between man and machine are still celebrated: whereas computing is handed over to technological devices, trajectory analysis and mission planning are still done by human computers.

Annie Easley, ‘The Human Computers’, NASA, United States, ca. 1955.

Enjoying this story? Show it to us!

0 Likes

Share your thoughts and join the technology debate!

11 comments

  • Kathleen Larry
    How To Get Bitcoin Back From a Scammer

    Thank you, Pro Wizard Gilbert Recovery. I'm writing to thank you sincerely for helping me find my stolen Bitcoin. I was horrified to learn that my Bitcoin had been taken, and I had no idea what to do. However, I am so happy that I came across you. Your crew was knowledgeable, effective, and patient. They answered all of my concerns and gave me a thorough explanation of the rehabilitation process. They also kept me informed of their development each step of the way. I'm overjoyed to let you know that you were successful in recovering my Bitcoin. Thank you so much for your assistance. To anyone who has misplaced or had their Bitcoin stolen, I would strongly advise using Pro Wizard Gilbert Recovery on: prowizardgilbertrecovery(@)engineer.com or visit their website https://prowizardgilbertrecovery.xyz

    Posted on

  • GREAT NEWS... This testimony is worth sharing to the world. I am here to tell the world of the good works of Dr BALBOSA. My name is Olivia Bolton am from the UK.. My man left me and my kids for another older woman. It was not so easy for me.. I love my husband so much and I did not lose hope and I kept praying and God finally answered my prayers…i searched online for a spell caster to help me unite me and my lover back forever and i saw so many testimonies of how DR BALBOSA has helped so many people online and i decided to give him a trial … I contacted him and explained to him. He told me not to worry that he will bring back my man within 24 hours. He consulted his powers and assured me not to worry . He did his work and cast the natural spell and to my greatest surprise, my husband came back the same day begging and crying just as Dr BALBOSA said. He begged me for forgiveness and he promised never to leave me for any reason. We are happy and we live together as one. Contact Dr BALBOSA now and be happy forever. dont lose hope and good luck...you can also contact dr balbosa from any part of the world... EMAIL: balbosasolutionhome@gmail.com WHATSAPP/PHONE CALL: +44 7418 361 943 WEBSITE: https://balbosasolutionhome.com

    Posted on

  • Please visit (http://dradodalovetemple.com) i am here to give testimony on how this powerful spell caster called Dr Adoda helped me to fix my relationship. i was heartbroken when my fiancee told me he is no longer interested in marrying me because he was having an affair with the other woman where he work. I cried and sobbed every day, until it got so bad that I reached out to the Internet for help, that was when i read a review about the great work of Dr Adoda, then i contacted him for help to get my lover back, he helped me cast a powerful (reconciliation love spell) and to my greatest surprise after 48 hours of doing the love spell my Fiancee came back on his knees begging me to forgive him We are now happily married and all thanks goes to Dr Adoda Wonders for helping me save my relationship you can contact Dr Adoda through his email address: adodalovespelltemple440@gmail.com or WHATSAPP him on+2348112825421

    Posted on

  • I’m here to testify to the great Dr Tebe for he is a great spell caster. My ex left without any good reason I was heartbroken because I loved her so much I tried all means to get her back all to no avail, not until I came across Dr Tebe and contacted him and behold my joy was restored within 6hoursIf you still want him to help you in any kind of spell contact him today via his WhatsApp: +1 661-525-4146 or his email Drtebespelltemple@gmail. com

    Posted on

  • GREAT NEWS... This testimony is worth sharing to the world. I am here to tell the world of the good works of Dr BALBOSA. My name is Olivia Bolton am from the UK.. My man left me and my kids for another older woman. It was not so easy for me.. I love my husband so much and I did not lose hope and I kept praying and God finally answered my prayers…i searched online for a spell caster to help me unite me and my lover back forever and i saw so many testimonies of how DR BALBOSA has helped so many people online and i decided to give him a trial … I contacted him and explained to him. He told me not to worry that he will bring back my man within 24 hours. He consulted his powers and assured me not to worry . He did his work and cast the natural spell and to my greatest surprise, my husband came back the same day begging and crying just as Dr BALBOSA said. He begged me for forgiveness and he promised never to leave me for any reason. We are happy and we live together as one. Contact Dr BALBOSA now and be happy forever. dont lose hope and good luck...you can also contact dr balbosa from any part of the world... EMAIL: balbosasolutionhome@gmail.com WHATSAPP/PHONE CALL: +44 7418 361 943

    Posted on

  • POWERFUL EX BACK SPELL TO BRING BACK YOUR EX (marianspells@gmail.com) A big thanks from to DR MARIAN for helping me to restore my broken home. Inconsistency has been the order of the day in my home and marriage. My husband has had a hell of a problem and torn on my flesh ever since we started having too many misunderstandings. Some days, he just left and never returned until its past weeks. I was devastated and tried all I could to fix the problems but didn't succeed. I had to search out for help and I was directed by a friend to contact DR MARIAN which I did. I never knew it would be possible because the problems had lingered for two whole years. DR MARIAN assured me and only told me to trust her and believe in having my desires granted. she fixed my marriage with her powerful love reunion bond and my home is great again and my husband is with me now and never to leave anymore. if you are also having relationship issues, Contact her and be 100% REST ASSURED she can help you because he has no bad records. contact her via: marianspells@gmail.com

    Posted on

  • The internet used to be a safe haven to gather new knowledge in the comfort of your space until these scammers sprouted out of the blue like worms and made it unsafe. I am a country music lover, and Kenny Rogers is my idol. I can remember when a notification from Instagram popped on my screen, Guess who, my idol. I was awed and I can remember myself writing about all his impact in my life. I was so sure I was talking to my idol on Instagram. He did say he wanted to introduce me to this quick money-making scheme because he noticed I have been a loyal fan on his official IG page. My idol can never go wrong in my eyes and didn't even do any research. I hurriedly joined the scheme. I never knew it was a scammer posing as a celebrity till I had invested $540.000.00. It got worse when I couldn't access my account or withdraw from my investment, I knew there was a problem after all these happenings. I need to get help from any means to ensure I am not a victim of these parasites. I was glad to be able to be introduced to the best CRYPTOCURRENCY RECOVER EXPERT, Cyber-Genie Genie Hack Pro. I talked to their representative and they assured me of recovering my stolen investment. And as they promised, they didn't disappoint as they were very confident in their expertise. My stolen investment was successfully recovered and they were the ones who confirmed to me that I was catfished. "Cybergenie(@)Cyberservices. com" "Numb + (12525120391)"

    Posted on

  • GREAT NEWS... This testimony is worth sharing to the world. I am here to tell the world of the good works of Dr BALBOSA. My name is Olivia Bolton am from the UK.. My man left me and my kids for another older woman. It was not so easy for me.. I love my husband so much and I did not lose hope and I kept praying and God finally answered my prayers…i searched online for a spell caster to help me unite me and my lover back forever and i saw so many testimonies of how DR BALBOSA has helped so many people online and i decided to give him a trial … I contacted him and explained to him. He told me not to worry that he will bring back my man within 24 hours. He consulted his powers and assured me not to worry . He did his work and cast the natural spell and to my greatest surprise, my husband came back the same day begging and crying just as Dr BALBOSA said. He begged me for forgiveness and he promised never to leave me for any reason. We are happy and we live together as one. Contact Dr BALBOSA now and be happy forever. dont lose hope and good luck...you can also contact dr balbosa from any part of the world... EMAIL: balbosasolutionhome@gmail. com WHATSAPP/PHONE CALL: +44 7418 361 943 WEBSITE: https://balbosasolutionhome.com

    Posted on

  • Making the decision to seek professional help in recovering my lost Bitcoin was one of the best choices I've ever made. Entrusting my case to Francisco Hacker and their team of experts proved to be a game-changer. Their remarkable knowledge and tireless efforts resulted in the successful retrieval of my valuable cryptocurrency. With sincere gratitude, I highly recommend Francisco Hacker to anyone facing the devastating experience of a crypto scam. They possess the expertise and dedication needed to turn the tides in your favor. Franciscohack(@)qualityservice.com

    Posted on

  • in need of a hacker in any area of your life??? then you can contact; ( Premiumhackservices@gmail.com services like; -hack into your cheating partner's phone(whatsapp,bbm.gmail,icloud,facebook, twitter,snap chat and others) -Sales of Blank ATM cards. -hack into email accounts and trace email location -all social media accounts, -school database to clear or change grades, -Retrieval of lost file/documents -DUIs -company records and systems, -Bank accounts,Paypal accounts -Credit cards hacker -Credit score hack -Monitor any phone and email address -Websites hacking, pentesting. -IP addresses and people tracking. -Hacking courses and classes CONTACT THEM= Whatsapp No: +14106350697 their services are the best on the market and 100% security and discreet work is guaranteed.

    Posted on

  • Contacting daniel meuli recovery will allow you to quickly locate lost bitcoin. You must contact daniel meuli recovery if you require a recovery hub for your lost bitcoin, need assistance with a mistyped password, want to move cryptocurrency to the correct wallet address, or think your wallet has been exploited. I played a bitcoin win game and lost more than $75,000. Thanks to daniel meuli Recovery's excellent effort, the money I unlawfully lost has been restored.This hacker collective uses cutting-edge computer tools that can quickly recover monies. daniel meuli Recovery is a reliable company that can be reached by using: danielmeuliweberecovery@email.com) or via whatsapp +1 (323) 433-3594

    Posted on

More like this