Melba Roy Mouton led a group of "computers" at NASA, women who performed complex calculations in the early days of the U.S. space program. As head mathematician for Project Echo, her work helped demonstrate the potential of satellite communications. Mouton worked at NASA for 14 years, serving as a head programmer and assistant chief of research programs. Mouton received both an Apollo Achievement Award and an Exceptional Performance Award from NASA before she retired in 1973. More recently, a mountain on the Moon was named in her honor, Mons Mouton. Lunar mountains are named for “scientists who have made outstanding or fundamental contributions to their fields.” The National Air and Space Museum celebrates the passions, joys, and curiosities of women in aviation and space like Melba Mouton at our annual “Sally’s Night” this Saturday, June 21. #SallysNight #WomenInSTEM #WomenInSpace #WomenInMath