Gladys Mae West

Gladys Mae West, a pioneering American mathematician whose groundbreaking work laid the foundational mathematical models for the Global Positioning System, passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 95. Her meticulous calculations and dedication to her craft at a time of significant racial and gender barriers profoundly shaped modern navigation and mapping technologies, impacting countless lives worldwide. West's legacy is one of quiet brilliance and enduring influence.

Born in Sutherland, Virginia, on October 27, 1930, West's early life was marked by the challenges of sharecropping and segregation. Despite these obstacles, her academic prowess shone through, earning her a scholarship to Virginia State College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1952 and later a Master of Science in Mathematics in 1955. Her pursuit of higher education was a testament to her determination and intellectual curiosity, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

In 1956, West began her distinguished career at the Naval Proving Ground, now known as the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, becoming only the second Black woman ever hired there. As a "human computer" and later a programmer, she processed satellite data, developing complex algorithms to precisely model the Earth's shape. Her work as project manager for the SEASAT radar altimetry project was particularly significant, contributing to the first satellite that could remotely sense oceans, providing crucial data for her geodetic modeling.

West's most impactful contribution was her development of an accurate geodetic Earth model, which accounted for variations in the Earth's gravitational, tidal, and other forces. This sophisticated mathematical model became the bedrock upon which the Global Positioning System was built, enabling the precise location tracking we rely on today. Her vital contributions remained largely unsung for decades, earning her the moniker of a "Hidden Figure" of science.

In recognition of her extraordinary achievements, West was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2018, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Air Force Space Command. She also received the Virginia Women in History award in 2018 and an honorary doctorate from Virginia State University. Even after retiring from Dahlgren in 1998, she continued her academic pursuits, earning a Ph.D. in Public Administration at the age of 70. Gladys West's life serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance, intellect, and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.