Space and Navigation
Dr. Gladys Mae West
1930–2026
1970s-1980s
Mathematical foundations used by GPS
What Gladys contributed
Created precise mathematical models of Earth's shape using satellite data.
The story
At the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, West programmed computers to process satellite observations and improve models of Earth's gravitational field and shape.
Why it matters
Her geodesy work became an important foundation for the Global Positioning System.
Continue reading
← Back to Space & Exploration
