On February 18th, 2021, NASA’s Perseverance Mars Rover made history with its successful landing on the Martian surface, marking a monumental achievement in humanity’s quest to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. However, behind this historic moment lies the untold story of the countless women who played pivotal roles in every facet of the mission, from its inception to its triumphant arrival on the red planet.

The roots of women’s involvement in space exploration can be traced back to the early days of NASA, where pioneers like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson broke barriers as “human computers” and mathematicians, calculating trajectories for historic missions such as the Apollo moon landing. Despite facing systemic discrimination and segregation, these trailblazing women persevered, laying the groundwork for future generations of female scientists and engineers.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and women continue to leave their mark on space exploration. One such trailblazer is Diana Trujillo, a Colombian aerospace engineer who immigrated to the United States to pursue her dreams. As the engineering team leader responsible for the rover’s robotic arm, Trujillo played a crucial role in designing, developing, and operating Perseverance’s cutting-edge technology.

Trujillo’s journey from Colombia to NASA exemplifies the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. In her own words, she is proud to represent her heritage and the countless individuals who dare to dream beyond the confines of their circumstances. Her passion for space exploration is infectious, inspiring others to reach for the stars and pursue careers in STEM fields.

Diana Trujillo

I am Flight Director/FD today again for Sol 4, and this was our wake up song. Awesome choice @lukewalkergt !! https://t.co/0tA7QnV7qK

— Diana Trujillo (@FromCaliToMars) February 23, 2021

Joining Trujillo in shaping the future of space exploration is Yajaira Sierra-Sastre, a Puerto Rican materials scientist and educator passionate about bio-nanofabrication and semiconductor nanowires. As the Project Manager for the Mars Sample Return mission, Sierra-Sastre oversees the collection and analysis of samples gathered by Perseverance, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries about the Martian environment.

Yajaira Sierra-Sastre

While waiting to go live with @FromCaliToMars, this moment hit me. Seeing myself, a girl from rural Puerto Rico, along with these two phenomenal women representing #Perseverance and the future #MarsSampleReturn missions. Thank you @NASA_es! #WomenInSTEM #JuntosPerseveramos pic.twitter.com/gnJfy8vNwK

— Dr. Yajaira Sierra-Sastre (@yarinaut) February 18, 2021

The Perseverance mission also saw the leadership of Dr. Swati Mohan, a scientist of Indian descent who served as the Guidance, Navigation, and Control Operations Leader. Mohan’s expertise was instrumental in ensuring the rover’s safe landing on Mars, navigating the planet’s challenging atmosphere with precision and accuracy. Her calm demeanor and steadfast leadership during the “seven minutes of terror” captured the hearts and minds of people around the world, showcasing the vital role of women in mission-critical positions.

Swati Mohan

Touchdown confirmed. The #CountdownToMars is complete, but the mission is just beginning. pic.twitter.com/UvOyXQhhN9

— NASA (@NASA) February 18, 2021

Jennifer Trosper, the Deputy Project Director for the Perseverance mission, brought her wealth of experience in management and systems leadership to the table, overseeing the planning and execution of the mission’s objectives. With her guidance, the mission achieved its goals with precision and efficiency, setting the stage for future explorations of the Martian surface.

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Jennifer Trosper

Autonomous navigation ✅
Upgraded cameras ✅
Sample collection system ✅

Deputy project manager Jennifer Trosper explains the many different ways @NASAPersevere has been upgraded from her rover predecessors. #CountdownToMars pic.twitter.com/Jx3FEjvDcR

— NASA (@NASA) February 18, 2021

Mimi Aung, an Electronic Engineer and Project Manager, led the development of the Ingenuity Mars helicopter, a groundbreaking innovation that marked the first powered flight on another planet. Aung’s passion for space exploration, coupled with her Burmese heritage, serves as a testament to the diversity of voices driving the mission forward.

Mimi Aung

“Our team now gets a chance to test, prove, & learn how [the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter] works in the actual environment of Mars. Our team can’t ask for a better reward than that.”

Project manager Mimi Aung shares her excitement for the first ever flight test on another planet: pic.twitter.com/AorK4tKCml

— NASA (@NASA) February 18, 2021

Dr. Nina Lanza, a Planetary and Space Exploration Team Leader, contributed her expertise in Earth and Planetary Sciences to the mission’s scientific endeavors. Her work with the ChemCam instrument and Super Cam microphone promises to provide valuable insights into Martian geology and atmosphere, advancing our understanding of the red planet’s past and present.

Nina Lanza

OMG IT’S REALLY HAPPENING #Mars2020 @NASAPersevere pic.twitter.com/pk596cnViF

— Dr. Nina Lanza (@marsninja) February 18, 2021

Chloe Sackier

Chloe Sackier, an Aerospace Engineer, played a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of communication systems during the mission’s entry, descent, and landing phases. Her dedication to her craft and her enthusiasm for space exploration reflect the collective efforts of countless individuals working behind the scenes to make history.

As we celebrate the success of NASA’s Perseverance Mars Rover mission, let us not forget the contributions of these remarkable women who have helped to pave the way for future generations of explorers. Their resilience, ingenuity, and dedication inspire us all, reminding us that the sky is not the limit but the beginning of our journey into the cosmos.