Marjorie Townsend and the Satellite 'Uhuru'
Discover the launch of the world's first X-ray Astronomy Satellite through the lens of photographer Mohamed 'Mo' Amin
The world's first X-ray Astronomy Satellite
The world’s first X-ray astronomy satellite, 'Uhuru', was launched on 12 December 1970 in Kenya. The development and launch of the satellite were overseen by an electrical engineer, Marjorie Townsend. She was the first woman to manage a spacecraft launch for NASA. Uhuru was the first US spacecraft to be launched by another country in a foreign location.
Uhuru Satellite (1970) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation
Mrs Marjorie Townsend was a top engineer at America’s Goddard Space Centre and NASA’s first woman Project Manager. In the early 1970s, it was challenging for a woman to head an all-male team, but she made it happen.
Uhuru Satellite (1970) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation
From 1966, she had managed Goddard’s Small Astronomy Satellite project and was responsible for the launching of two ‘orbiting observatories’. These continue to provide scientists with new and vital knowledge about the nature of the universe.
Uhuru Satellite (1970) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation
The 'Uhuru' was the world’s first X-ray astronomy satellite. 'Uhuru' means 'freedom' in Swahili. The satellite was named after the incredible Kenyan hospitality.
Uhuru Satellite (1970) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation
The space instrument was launched in 1970 by the Italians near Malindi on the Kenyan coast, and was used to detect, survey and map celestial X-ray sources and gamma-ray emissions.
Uhuru Satellite (1970) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation
The launch was a success. Uhuru's findings resulted in many scientific advances which were then used for further development. This was a landmark moment for Kenya and science, and for the empowerment of women engineers.
