Final answer:
Many female mathematicians and engineers played significant roles in American space missions, such as mathematician Katherine Johnson who made crucial calculations for the first spaceflight.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many female mathematicians and engineers played integral roles in making American space missions possible, working behind the scenes to contribute their expertise. One notable example is mathematician Katherine Johnson, whose calculations of orbital mechanics helped ensure the success of the first spaceflight and subsequent missions. Johnson's work as a NASA employee demonstrates the significant impact that female mathematicians and engineers had on American space exploration.