TULSA, Okla. –

For decades, Oklahoma has played a role in the nation’s 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’s exploration of Mars.

Voices of Oklahoma founder John Erling recently highlighted Shirley’s story with News On 6’s Dave Davis. Erling said many Oklahomans may not realize the former NASA leader now lives in Tulsa.

From an early fascination with space to leading one of NASA’s most groundbreaking programs, Shirley’s career broke barriers and inspired future generations of women in science and engineering.

An Oklahoma Girl Inspired by Mars

Shirley grew up in Winnewood, where a love of reading sparked her interest in space exploration.

Erling said Shirley was inspired after reading “The Sands of Mars” as a child, setting her on a path toward engineering and aviation. She earned her pilot’s license at just 15 years old before attending the University of Oklahoma to study engineering.

According to Erling, one professor told Shirley that “girls can’t be engineers.” Instead of changing course, she pressed forward and built a career that would eventually make history.

Leading NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

Shirley became the first woman to lead a NASA program, overseeing teams that were largely made up of men.

Erling described her as a strong leader whose accomplishments should encourage young women interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.

“I think this should be an inspiration to young women to be inspired that you too can be a leader,” Erling said.

He also recalled Shirley’s straightforward personality. During one interview, Erling told her she seemed like a “sweet woman.”

“She said, ‘No, I’m not,’” Erling recalled with a laugh.

Helping Make Mars History

One of the defining moments of Shirley’s career came in 1997 with NASA’s Pathfinder mission and the Sojourner rover, the first rover to successfully explore the surface of Mars.

Erling described the anticipation surrounding the mission as scientists waited to see whether the spacecraft would send images back from the Red Planet.

When the first pictures arrived, Shirley remembered the excitement inside mission control.

“The main pictures were taken by the lander, and they were spectacular,” Shirley said during her Voices of Oklahoma interview. “There were rocks, and the geologists were going, ‘Rocks! God, look at those rocks.’ They were so excited.”

She said the celebration quickly spread through the room.

“Oh, yeah, jumping up and down and hugging,” Shirley said. “Absolutely. One of the highlights of my life.”

Breaking Barriers for Women in STEM

Erling said Shirley’s 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.

He said her determination and confidence helped pave the way for future generations of women pursuing careers in STEM fields.

A NASA Pioneer Living in Tulsa

Although Shirley’s work helped make space exploration history, Erling said many people don’t realize the former NASA leader now calls Tulsa home.

He hopes sharing stories like Shirley’s through Voices of Oklahoma helps preserve the achievements of remarkable Oklahomans and inspires others to pursue their own ambitions.

Shirley’s full interview is available through Voices of Oklahoma, where Erling has spent years documenting the lives and accomplishments of notable Oklahomans.