Susan Finley: NASAs Longest-Serving Woman Engineer and Problem Solver
Exploring the impactful career and enduring legacy of Susan Finley, NASAs longest-serving woman and a pioneer in space exploration technology.
Susan Finley: NASAs Longest-Serving Woman Engineer
Susan Finley stands as a living legend at NASA, her career remarkably spanning more than six decades. Beginning her journey in 1958 as a human computer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), she not only witnessed but actively shaped the key milestones and transformations of the U.S. space program. From solving complex equations by hand, supporting pivotal missions, developing critical software, and navigating the evolving landscape of women in engineering, Finleys legacy is one of ingenuity, resilience, and dedicated mentorship to generations of scientists and engineers.
Early Career: Human “Computer” at the Dawn of the Space Age
Susan Finley joined JPL in Pasadena, California, in January 1958, just days before the U.S. Army launched Explorer 1Americas first earth satellite. Her timing placed her at the very center of the emerging space race following the Soviet Unions launches of Sputnik 1 and 2, setting the stage for an international sprint toward celestial discovery.
- Role as a Human Computer: The position of computer was typically held by women, tasked with calculating rocket trajectories and navigation pathwaysvital operations for successful launches and probe movement. These calculations were performed manually, long before digital computing technology became mainstream in the field.
- Pioneer 1 and Early NASA Missions: Among her first contributions was supporting Pioneer 1, NASAs inaugural satellite mission. Finley and her colleagues, often referred to as “the women who solved the math of the cosmos,” played an unsung but critical role in the programs success.
- Hidden Figures: Much like the African-American mathematicians popularized in the film “Hidden Figures,” Finley epitomized an era when “computer” was not a machine, but a human being equipped with mathematical prowess and creativity.
Evolution with Technology: Adapting to a Changing NASA
As digital computers began to enter the scene, Finley skillfully transitioned from manual calculations to more advanced programming and engineering roles. Her experience is emblematic of NASAs technological evolution:
- Phasing Out of Human Computers: The advent of simple electronic computers initially produced limited results, but soon grew in capability. Early systems, like the tiny computer with 16 wires and jumper cables, required new skills and adaptability.
- Software Engineering: Finleys career pivoted to software development for key missions. She wrote programs and designed solutions for NASAs Deep Space Network (DSN), which became a backbone for space communications.
Key Contributions and Milestones in Space Exploration
Finleys enduring influence is most distinctly observed in her participation in landmark missions and technological innovations that advanced planetary science and space communications:
- Vega Venus Mission (1985): Her favorite mission involved the Soviet-French Vega program, which deployed probe balloons into Venuss atmosphere. Finley enhanced the DSNs ability to track the moving balloonsher software set new standards for accuracy and reliability.
- Deep Space Network (DSN): Since 1980, Finley has helped coordinate satellite facilities in California, Spain, and Australia, enabling data exchange and real-time control of countless space probes. Her work also merged multiple antennas to function as a single, powerful array, essential for deep space missions.
- Mars Exploration Rover Missions: She contributed to the software for the Mars missions, including Spirit and Opportunity, implementing audio tone signaling for crucial events such as parachute deployment and heat shield ejection.
- Halleys Comet and DSN Enhancements: For the mission to Halleys Comet, Finley improved navigational support, playing a pivotal part in the teams ability to gather and relay groundbreaking footage from the event.
- Landing Juno at Jupiter and Rover Mars Missions: Her solutions in radio tone interpretation ensured the safe landing of Spirit, Opportunity, and the Juno explorer, deftly converting spacecraft status signals into actionable intelligence on Earth.
The Soul of Problem Solving: Innovation and Passion
Finley has repeatedly described her work as treasure hunting and solving mysteries, reflecting her ongoing passion for the intellectual challenge of engineering. Her knack for discovering solutions drives not only technological advancement but also the spirit of exploration itself:
- Ingenious troubleshooting and deep curiosity fueled her continued relevance and enjoyment in NASAs hardest engineering problems.
- Finleys adaptabilityembracing new technology and continuously improving methodologieshas positioned her as a linchpin and trusted mentor among her peers.
Mentorship and the Changing Landscape for Women at NASA
In her early years, NASAs workforce reflected the eras gender stereotypes, with few women in engineering or technical leadership roles. Over time, Finley witnessedand helped shapea transformation:
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- Mentoring Young Engineers: Colleagues often sought her advice, recognizing her expertise and wisdom, especially during complex projects like the Venus balloon experiment.
- Championing Women in Science: Finley has offered candid advice to aspiring female engineers: Never be afraid to ask questions, never be afraid to say you dont know.
- Growth of Female Representation: NASA now features many more women in technical roles. Finleys longevity and influence provided inspiration for both men and women entering the agency.
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
| Award | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NASA Group Achievement Award | 2013 | Nine certificates awarded for substantial contributions to NASAs mission |
| NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal | 2018 | Awarded for sustained excellence and multiple key contributions over decades |
- Finley’s honors include several NASA Group Achievement Awards, reflecting her leadership and innovation across numerous projects.
- The NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal, awarded in 2018, is one of NASAs highest honors for non-governmental individuals, recognizing her extraordinary career and impact.
Enduring Legacy: Still Passionate After Six Decades
Now over 80, Finley remains an active subsystem and test engineer for NASAs Deep Space Network. Her story bridges NASAs history from the calculation era to AI-driven space probes:
- Lifelong Dedication: Finley has said, I dont plan to stop. I have nothing else Id rather do.
- Family and Colleagues: She is the mother of two grown sons and continues to mentor younger generations at JPL, sharing not just expertise, but wisdom and the importance of curiosity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was Susan Finleys first major project at NASA?
A: Finley joined JPL just before the launch of Explorer 1 in 1958, the United States first satellite, and quickly began solving rocket trajectory equations for NASAs earliest missions.
Q: How did Susan Finley transition from manual calculations to modern software engineering?
A: As electronic computers emerged, Finley adapted by learning software engineering and programming, ultimately developing critical applications for NASAs Deep Space Network and other vital projects.
Q: What are some major missions Finley contributed to?
A: She played key roles in the Vega Venus balloon probe, Halleys Comet investigation, Mars Spirit and Opportunity landings, and the Juno mission to Jupiter, among others.
Q: What advice does she give to young engineers, especially women?
A: Finley encourages engineers to never be afraid to ask questions and to always admit when they dont know somethinga critical attitude for learning and collaboration.
Q: Is Susan Finley still working at NASA?
A: Yes, Susan Finley continues her work at NASA as a subsystem and testing engineer for the Deep Space Network, with no plans to retire.
Summary Table: Susan Finleys Career Evolution
| Decade | Role | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s1960s | Human Computer | Calculated rocket trajectories for early satellite missions (Pioneer 1, Explorer 1) |
| 1970s1980s | Software Engineer | Developed software for DSN, contributed to Venus Vega and Halleys Comet missions |
| 1990s2000s | Subsystem Engineer | Advanced Mars rover missions, improved antenna arrays, developed audio signal software |
| 2010sPresent | Senior Mentor, DSN Engineer | Continues to guide colleagues, receives NASAs highest honors |
Legacy and Influence: Bridging Generations
Susan Finleys story is a microcosm of the broader changes in engineering, innovation, and gender equity at NASA. Her rare combination of technical excellence, inventive spirit, and a commitment to teamwork has made her both a trusted expert and a symbol of enduring achievement in science and exploration. As NASA looks to new horizonsfrom Mars to distant galaxiesFinley remains a vital link to the pioneering roots of American spaceflight and an inspiration for future problem solvers.
References
- https://phys.org/news/2019-07-nasa-sue-finley-stars.html
- https://www.voanews.com/a/sue-finley-80-still-at-work-for-nasa/4109187.html
- https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/nasa-longest-serving-woman/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_G._Finley
- https://science.nasa.gov/people/susan-finley/
- https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-himi-finley-20170605-htmlstory.html
- https://kids.kiddle.co/Susan_G._Finley
- https://www.silvereco.org/en/79-space-pioneer-susan-finley-still-has-her-head-in-the-stars/
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