Gladys West, pioneering mathematician whose work made GPS possible, dies

At the age of 95, Dr. Gladys West passed away, a renowned American mathematician whose scientific work was fundamental to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS), a technology that today guides the world in land, air, and sea navigation.

West dedicated a large part of her career to the United States Navy, where for decades she performed complex calculations and developed mathematical models applied to satellite data, contributing to define more precisely the shape of the Earth and improve the accuracy of location systems.

Her work, although it remained anonymous for a long time, was vital for current technological advances. In recent years, her legacy began to receive the deserved recognition, standing out as one of the most influential scientists in the field of satellite geodesy.

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Despite facing racial segregation and limited recognition for much of her professional life, Gladys West became a symbol of perseverance, talent, and scientific excellence, leaving a legacy that continues to impact the daily lives of millions of people worldwide.