Apollo 11 Mission vs. Hidden Figures

Attribute	Apollo 11 Mission	Hidden Figures
Year	1969	1961-1969
Main Characters	Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins	Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson
Goal	Land on the moon	Help NASA launch its first successful space missions
Significance	First manned mission to land on the moon	Contributed to the success of NASA's space missions

Introduction

The Apollo 11 Mission and the movie Hidden Figures both shed light on the incredible achievements of NASA during the Space Race era. While the Apollo 11 Mission is a historic event that marked the first time humans set foot on the moon, Hidden Figures tells the untold story of the African-American women mathematicians who played a crucial role in the success of the mission. Both the mission and the movie highlight the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication in achieving monumental goals.

Historical Context

The Apollo 11 Mission took place in July 1969 during the height of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. It was a pivotal moment in history as it demonstrated America's technological prowess and determination to win the race to the moon. On the other hand, Hidden Figures is set in the early 1960s when racial segregation was still prevalent in the United States. The movie showcases the challenges faced by African-American women working at NASA and their fight for recognition and equality.

Key Players

One of the key players in the Apollo 11 Mission was astronaut Neil Armstrong, who famously became the first person to walk on the moon. His fellow astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins also played crucial roles in the mission. In Hidden Figures, the focus is on three African-American women mathematicians - Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. These women were instrumental in calculating the trajectories for the Apollo missions and breaking down racial barriers at NASA.

Challenges Faced

During the Apollo 11 Mission, the astronauts faced numerous challenges, including the risk of technical malfunctions, communication errors, and the uncertainty of landing on the moon. The mission required precise calculations and split-second decision-making to ensure the safety of the crew. In Hidden Figures, the African-American women mathematicians faced discrimination and prejudice in the workplace. They had to overcome institutionalized racism and sexism to prove their worth and contribute to the success of the mission.

Technological Advancements

The Apollo 11 Mission was a testament to the technological advancements made by NASA during the 1960s. The spacecraft was equipped with state-of-the-art systems for navigation, communication, and life support. The lunar module used for landing on the moon was a marvel of engineering that had never been tested before. In Hidden Figures, the movie showcases the use of early computers and mathematical algorithms to calculate the trajectories for the Apollo missions. The women mathematicians had to manually check and verify the calculations to ensure the safety of the astronauts.

Legacy

The legacy of the Apollo 11 Mission is undeniable, as it marked a significant milestone in human history and inspired future generations to pursue space exploration. The success of the mission solidified America's position as a leader in space technology and innovation. In contrast, the legacy of Hidden Figures lies in bringing to light the contributions of African-American women to the success of the Apollo missions. The movie has sparked a renewed interest in the history of NASA and the unsung heroes who played a vital role in the space program.