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

Movies N Motivation

1 Aug 202203:20

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Clearance and Expertise in Pentagon Briefings

The first paragraph revolves around a discussion of security clearances and the importance of having all necessary information for effective work. The speaker advocates for their presence in a Pentagon briefing, arguing that they are the best person to present their findings. There is a debate about the presence of a woman, Catherine, who is deemed crucial to the proceedings due to her work in the trajectory and launch window division. The dialogue highlights the tension between protocol and the need for expertise in sensitive meetings.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡clearance

Clearance in this context refers to the authorization or permission required to access certain information or areas, typically in a military or security setting. It is crucial for maintaining security and confidentiality. In the script, the character is denied access to a room or information due to lacking the necessary clearance, which highlights the importance of clearance in sensitive operations.

💡data

Data in this script represents the information and facts that are necessary for making informed decisions, especially in a high-stakes environment like a Pentagon briefing. The character emphasizes the need for complete data to perform their work effectively, indicating that data is a critical component in the decision-making process.

💡civilians

Civilians are non-military individuals who are not part of the armed forces. In the script, it is mentioned that Pentagon briefings are not for civilians, emphasizing the restricted nature of such meetings and the high level of security clearance required. This underscores the exclusivity and importance of the information being discussed.

💡protocol

Protocol in this context refers to the established rules or procedures that govern behavior or conduct in a specific situation. The script mentions a lack of protocol for a woman, suggesting that traditional rules or expectations are being challenged or reconsidered, which is relevant to the theme of breaking barriers and equality.

💡rules

Rules are the guidelines or directives that dictate how certain activities or processes should be carried out. In the script, the character questions who makes the rules within their organization, indicating a power dynamic and the potential for change or questioning of authority.

💡trajectory

Trajectory is the path or course followed by an object moving through space as determined by its initial direction, speed, and the forces acting upon it. In the script, the character from the 'trajectory and launch window division' is involved in calculating the trajectory for a launch, which is crucial for determining the success of a mission.

💡launch window

The launch window is a specific period during which a spacecraft can be launched to achieve a desired trajectory and destination. It is a critical factor in mission planning. In the script, the launch window is discussed in relation to the vehicle speed and landing zone, demonstrating its importance in the mission's success.

💡landing zone

The landing zone is the designated area where a spacecraft or aircraft is intended to land. In the script, the landing zone is mentioned as the Bahamas, and its coordinates are calculated based on the re-entry parameters, showing its relevance in determining the mission's outcome.

💡re-entry

Re-entry refers to the process of a spacecraft or object returning from space and passing through the Earth's atmosphere. It involves significant changes in velocity and trajectory. In the script, the re-entry parameters such as speed, descent angle, and distance are calculated to determine the landing zone, illustrating its technical complexity.

💡go no-go

Go no-go is a decision-making term used in mission control to determine whether a mission should proceed (go) or be aborted (no-go). In the script, the characters are trying to calculate a go no-go decision based on the available data, highlighting the critical nature of this decision in mission success.

💡calculator

In this context, a calculator is a tool used for performing mathematical calculations, often essential in scientific and engineering tasks. The script mentions the character being the best person to present their 'calculator,' which is likely a metaphor for their analytical skills and expertise in calculating critical mission parameters.

Highlights

The necessity of having all data and information for effective work.

Pentagon briefings are restricted to those with the highest clearance, excluding civilians.

The debate on who has the authority to make rules within the organization.

Catherine Global's role in the trajectory and launch window division and her relevance to the proceedings.

The importance of having a protocol for women's participation in certain roles.

The calculation of vehicle speed and the launch window for a mission.

The assumption of the landing zone being in the Bahamas for the mission.

The theoretical basis for calculating a go/no-go decision.

Catherine's attempt to calculate the go/no-go decision with given parameters.

The goal point for re-entry and its distance from the desired landing location.

The re-entry speed and descent angle calculations for the mission.

The mathematical formula used to determine the landing zone coordinates.

The estimated landing zone coordinates with an accuracy of 20 square miles.

The significance of the calculated landing zone for mission planning.

The acknowledgment of the importance of Catherine's work in the mission's success.

The final confirmation of the landing zone's location on the map.