Hidden Figures - No Women Allowed in the Pentagon Briefings - Part 8 of 10

Summary

In a high-stakes scenario, Catherine, a civilian expert in the trajectory and launch window division, argues for her inclusion in a classified Pentagon briefing due to her critical role in the mission. Despite protocol, she is allowed to present her calculations, determining the precise landing zone for Colonel Glenn's re-entry, which is crucial for mission success. Her calculations place the landing zone near the Bahamas, with an accuracy of 20 square miles, showcasing the importance of her expertise.

Takeaways

• 🔒 The script discusses the importance of clearance for attending certain briefings, highlighting the need for access to all data and information.
• 🚫 Civilians are not allowed to attend Pentagon briefings due to their high clearance requirements.
• 👩‍💼 The character Catherine argues that she should be allowed to attend the briefings because her work in the trajectory and launch window division is relevant to the proceedings.
• 👨‍💼 Paul, who appears to be in a position of authority, questions the rules and who makes them, indicating that he might be the one to decide.
• 💺 Catherine is eventually allowed to attend the meeting, showing a potential shift in protocol or an exception being made for her.
• 🚀 The discussion involves calculating the go/no-go decision for a mission, which requires specific data such as vehicle speed and launch window.
• 📈 Catherine provides calculations for the re-entry point, descent angle, and landing zone, demonstrating her expertise and the relevance of her work.
• 🌍 The landing zone is specified as the Bahamas, and the calculations are based on the goal point being 2990 miles away from the desired landing location.
• 📊 The calculations involve complex physics, including distance, velocity squared, and descent angle, to determine the precise landing coordinates.
• 📍 The final landing zone coordinates are given as 5.0667 degrees north, 77.3333 degrees west, with an approximate error margin of 20 square miles.

Q & A

Why is the character arguing for the woman's attendance at the briefing?

The character believes that the woman, Catherine, has pertinent information related to the trajectory and launch window division that is crucial for the proceedings.

What is the significance of 'clearance' in this context?

Clearance refers to the authorization required to access classified information, which is necessary for attending high-level briefings like the Pentagon briefings mentioned in the script.

Why does the character feel they are the best person to present their 'calculator'?

The character is likely referring to a device or data relevant to their work, indicating confidence in their expertise and the importance of their contribution to the meeting.

What is the role of Catherine in the script?

Catherine is part of the trajectory and launch window division, and her work is considered essential for the discussions taking place during the briefing.

What is the disagreement about regarding the presence of a woman in the room?

There seems to be a protocol issue, as the character is told that there is no precedent for a woman being present in such a high-clearance setting.

Who is identified as the 'boss' in the conversation?

The person being addressed as 'you sir' and 'the boss' is likely the one in charge of the meeting or the organization, having the authority to make decisions about protocol.

What is the significance of the vehicle speed and launch window in the script?

The vehicle speed and launch window are critical parameters for calculating whether a mission can proceed (go/no-go decision) and for determining the landing zone.

What is the assumed landing zone mentioned in the script?

The assumed landing zone is the Bahamas, which is used as a reference point for the calculations being discussed.

What mathematical formula or concept is Catherine using to calculate the landing zone?

Catherine uses the re-entry velocity, descent angle, and distance to calculate the landing zone's geographical coordinates, likely employing principles from physics related to motion and trajectories.

What are the final coordinates calculated for the landing zone?

The calculated landing zone coordinates are approximately 5.0667 degrees north latitude and 77.3333 degrees west longitude.

What is the margin of error for the calculated landing zone?

The margin of error for the calculated landing zone is about 20 square miles.