This NASA scientist changed the way we see satellite images of Earth Dr. Valerie L. Thomas is known for her role in developing Landsat image processing data systems Updated: Tags: Dr. Valerie L. Thomas in 1979 standing with a stack of early Landsat Computer Compatible Tapes and Dr. Valerie L. Thomas today (NASA) When you think of pioneering Black female aerospace workers, the 2016 film, “Hidden Figures” comes to mind. It showcases how Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Johnson played a pivotal role at NASA. They weren’t the only ones paving the way. Dr. Valerie L. Thomas accomplished a lot in her lifetime and during her career at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, but she didn’t always have the resources she needed to learn more about technology growing up.