Yvonne Brill

Yvonne Brill, inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2010, expanded the frontiers of space through innovations in rocket and jet propulsion. Her accomplishments and service had major technical and programmatic impacts on a very broad range of national space programs. Her most important contributions were in advancements in rocket propulsion systems for geosynchronous communication satellites. She invented an innovative satellite propulsion system that solved complex operational problems of acquiring and maintaining station (keeping the satellite in orbit and in position once it is aloft). Although her family did not support her decision to pursue an education and career in science, Brill persevered. She conceived of the single fuel hydrazine/hydrazine resistojet propulsion system innovating with the use of a single fuel. Brill received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, was a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and has been inducted into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame. The chapter also provides a discussion of Brill’s advocacy for the empowerment of women and the many successful nominations for which she was responsible.