RIP Margaret Hamilton, pioneer of software engineering and Apollo 11 contributor

Margaret Hamilton, the visionary computer scientist who coined the term "software engineering," has passed away at the age of 90. Hamilton led the development of the onboard flight software for NASA's Apollo program, playing a critical role in the success of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. A 2016 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, she was recognized for her pioneering work during the infancy of the software industry. Colleagues at MIT praised her for leading teams that built some of the most complex systems in human history. Born in 1936, Hamilton graduated from Earlham College with a degree in mathematics. Her legacy remains a cornerstone of aerospace engineering, symbolizing the power of ingenuity and collaboration. Beyond her technical achievements, she was celebrated as a cultural icon, including being featured in the "Women of NASA" LEGO set, inspiring future generations of engineers.