Answer:
The work of employees at the Langley Research Center was often secret due to the sensitive nature of their projects, which were often related to military or national security applications. Keeping such information confidential was considered important for maintaining the competitive advantage and protection of national interests.
It could have been challenging for employees to keep the nature of their work a secret, as they were likely surrounded by colleagues and friends who were not privy to the same information. The pressure to maintain confidentiality, combined with the potential consequences of a security breach, may have created a sense of stress or unease for some employees.