27/01/2026
We celebrate the life of a pioneering mathematician and trailblazer, Gladys Mae West (née Brown), born October 27, 1930, in Sutherland, Virginia, who passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at the age of 95.
Dr. West overcame the challenges of growing up in rural poverty during the Jim Crow era to become one of the key figures behind the Global Positioning System (GPS). After earning her bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics from Virginia State University—and later a PhD from Virginia Tech—she joined the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in 1956, where she worked for over four decades.
Her groundbreaking contributions involved precise mathematical modeling of the Earth's shape (the geoid) using satellite data, including extensive calculations for satellite geodesy that accounted for gravitational variations, ocean surfaces, and elevation data. These models formed a critical foundation for the accurate functioning of GPS technology, which now powers navigation worldwide in phones, vehicles, aviation, and countless other applications.
Despite her monumental impact, much of West's work remained underrecognized for years. In 2018, she was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame (Space and Missile Pioneers category), and she received the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award for her development of satellite geodesy models. She was celebrated as a "hidden figure" whose meticulous, often hand-verified computations helped usher in the satellite era.
Dr. West retired in 1998 after a distinguished career marked by numerous publications, presentations, and commendations. She is survived by her three children, extended family, and a legacy that continues to guide and connect the world. Her determination, intellect, and quiet perseverance inspired generations, proving that profound change can emerge from dedication in the face of adversity.
Rest in peace, Dr. Gladys Mae West—your calculations will continue to light the way for us all
