Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Annie Easley: From Human Computer to NASA Software Pioneer
Annie Easley started working at NASA in 1955.
At first, she did maths calculations by hand.
People doing this work were called human computers.
Later, she became a computer scientist.
She helped write software for the Centaur rocket.
That rocket could carry satellites and probes into space and beyond.
Easley was one of the few Black people working at NASA when she joined.
She also spoke up for women and people of colour in science and technology.
Annie Easley began working at NASA in 1955 as a human computer.
She initially performed mathematical calculations by hand.
She later became a computer scientist and worked on software for the Centaur rocket.
The rocket could send satellites and probes into orbit and beyond.
As one of NASA’s few Black employees when she joined, she advocated for women and people of colour in STEM.
- Who
- Annie Easley, a NASA mathematician and computer scientist.
- What
- She worked on Centaur rocket software and advocated for women and people of colour in STEM.
- When
- She began her NASA career in 1955.
- Where
- NASA; the article does not specify a location.
- Why
- Her work helped support the Centaur rocket, which could send satellites and probes into orbit and beyond; she also advocated for greater inclusion in STEM.
- NASA career began
- 1955
- Initial role
- Human computer
- Early work
- Mathematical calculations by hand
- Later role
- Computer scientist
- Rocket project
- Centaur rocket software
- Advocacy
- Women and people of colour in STEM