What is Gladys West best known for?

What is Gladys West best known for?

Gladys West, née Gladys Mae Brown, (born October 27, 1930, Sutherland, Virginia), American mathematician known for her work contributing to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

What are some fun facts about Gladys West?

She was the second Black woman to be hired at the base and was one of only four Black employees. West was admired for her ability to solve complex mathematical equations. She eventually transitioned from solving the equations herself to programming computers.

Did Gladys West invent GPS?

In her autobiography, West spoke of some of the complex problems she solved, which had proven too difficult for other members of the team. West’s model ultimately became the basis for the Global Positioning System (GPS).