Melba Roy Mouton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melba Roy Mouton
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Melba Roy in 1960
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| Born | 1929 |
| Died | 25 June 1990 |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Awards | Apollo Achievement Award, NASA Exceptional Performance Award |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | United States Census Bureau, Army Map Service, Goddard Space Flight Center |
Melba Roy Mouton (1929–1990) was a brilliant American mathematician. She worked at NASA in the 1960s, helping to track satellites. Melba led a special team of mathematicians at NASA who were called "computers." She was a key part of tracking the Echo Satellites 1 and 2. Later, she became a top computer programmer and section chief at Goddard Space Flight Center.
Early Life and Education
Melba Mouton was born in 1929 in Fairfax, Virginia. Her parents were Rhodie and Edna Chloe. She loved learning and went to Howard University. In 1950, she earned her master's degree in mathematics. Before that, she got a bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in physics.
While at Howard, Melba was very active. She was president of the Kelly Miller Chapter of Future Teachers of America. She was also a member of the NAACP. This group works for civil rights. Melba was also part of the Mathematics Club and the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She was on the Dean's Honor Roll for all four years. She was even chosen for "Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges" in 1949-1950.
Career at NASA
Melba started working for NASA in 1959. Before that, she worked for the Army Map Service and the Census Bureau. Just one year later, in 1960, the Echo 1 satellite was launched into space. Melba led a team of NASA mathematicians. Their job was to track the satellite's path around Earth. These mathematicians were often called "computers" because they did complex calculations.
While working at Goddard Space Flight Center, Melba also taught. She led seminars on a programming language called A Programming Language. She also wrote an important paper for NASA. It talked about how important it is to write clear instructions for computer programs. This helps make sure programs can be used and updated for a long time.
Melba was also featured in an advertisement in the Afro American newspaper. This ad highlighted NASA's diverse workforce, including African American scientists like her. Melba received two special awards from NASA. She got an Apollo Achievement Award and an Exceptional Performance Award. She retired from NASA in 1973.
Personal Life
Melba Mouton had three children. She was married twice, first to Wardell Roy and later to Webster Mouton. She passed away in Silver Spring, Maryland on June 25, 1990, at the age of 61.
See also
In Spanish: Melba Roy Mouton para niños
