Young scientist

Valerie Thomas is famous for inventing the ‘Illusion Transmitter’, which she patented in 1980. Thomas always loved science as a child, but her parents did not like her learning about it. She finally got to explore science when she was a student at university.

Thomas’s Career

Thomas worked for NASA after graduating from college with a degree in chemistry. At NASA, she worked as a data analyst and became a very valued employee. In the 1970s, she helped to create the system that processed images for Landsat, the first satellite to send pictures to Earth from space. She worked at NASA until she retired in 1995.

Famous invention

Thomas invented the ‘Illusion Transmitter’, a device that made an optical illusion of a picture using two concave mirrors. This made images which appeared to be real or in front of the mirror, rather than inside it. This was used by NASA, and has been used for surgery, television, and video screens.

Thomas also worked on computer programmes, which helped researchers learning about Halley’s Comet, the ozone layer, and satellites. Thomas also speaks to students about her work and tries to inspire them to become scientists as well.