TULSA, Okla. –<\/p>\n
For decades, Oklahoma has played a role in the nation\u2019s space program, from manufacturing aerospace technology to producing astronauts and engineers. One of those pioneers is Donna Shirley, an Oklahoma native whose work helped shape NASA\u2019s exploration of Mars.<\/p>\n
Voices of Oklahoma founder John Erling recently highlighted Shirley\u2019s story with News On 6\u2019s Dave Davis. Erling said many Oklahomans may not realize the former NASA leader now lives in Tulsa.<\/p>\n
From an early fascination with space to leading one of NASA\u2019s most groundbreaking programs, Shirley\u2019s career broke barriers and inspired future generations of women in science and engineering.<\/p>\n
\n An Oklahoma Girl Inspired by Mars<\/p>\n
Shirley grew up in Winnewood, where a love of reading sparked her interest in space exploration.<\/p>\n
Erling said Shirley was inspired after reading \u201cThe Sands of Mars\u201d as a child, setting her on a path toward engineering and aviation. She earned her pilot\u2019s license at just 15 years old before attending the University of Oklahoma to study engineering.<\/p>\n
According to Erling, one professor told Shirley that \u201cgirls can\u2019t be engineers.\u201d Instead of changing course, she pressed forward and built a career that would eventually make history.<\/p>\n
\n Leading NASA\u2019s Mars Exploration Program<\/p>\n
Shirley became the first woman to lead a NASA program, overseeing teams that were largely made up of men.<\/p>\n
Erling described her as a strong leader whose accomplishments should encourage young women interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think this should be an inspiration to young women to be inspired that you too can be a leader,\u201d Erling said.<\/p>\n
He also recalled Shirley\u2019s straightforward personality. During one interview, Erling told her she seemed like a \u201csweet woman.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe said, \u2018No, I\u2019m not,\u2019\u201d Erling recalled with a laugh. <\/p>\n
\n Helping Make Mars History<\/p>\n
One of the defining moments of Shirley\u2019s career came in 1997 with NASA\u2019s Pathfinder mission and the Sojourner rover, the first rover to successfully explore the surface of Mars.<\/p>\n
Erling described the anticipation surrounding the mission as scientists waited to see whether the spacecraft would send images back from the Red Planet.<\/p>\n
When the first pictures arrived, Shirley remembered the excitement inside mission control.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main pictures were taken by the lander, and they were spectacular,\u201d Shirley said during her Voices of Oklahoma interview. \u201cThere were rocks, and the geologists were going, \u2018Rocks! God, look at those rocks.\u2019 They were so excited.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the celebration quickly spread through the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, yeah, jumping up and down and hugging,\u201d Shirley said. \u201cAbsolutely. One of the highlights of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n Breaking Barriers for Women in STEM<\/p>\n
Erling said Shirley\u2019s accomplishments extended far beyond engineering. At a time when women were rarely placed in leadership positions at NASA, she successfully led major projects and earned the respect of those around her.<\/p>\n
He said her determination and confidence helped pave the way for future generations of women pursuing careers in STEM fields.<\/p>\n
\n A NASA Pioneer Living in Tulsa<\/p>\n
Although Shirley\u2019s work helped make space exploration history, Erling said many people don\u2019t realize the former NASA leader now calls Tulsa home.<\/p>\n
He hopes sharing stories like Shirley\u2019s through Voices of Oklahoma helps preserve the achievements of remarkable Oklahomans and inspires others to pursue their own ambitions.<\/p>\n