Is Margaret Hamilton A-List?
No — Margaret Hamilton is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1969
Apollo 11 Success Contribution
Lost A-list status in 1976
Dropped to B tier — Founds Higher Order Software
Ranking Timeline
Joins MIT, Weather Software
Starts at MIT, contributing to weather forecasting software.
Apollo Flight Software Lead
Leads the development of Apollo Guidance Computer software.
Apollo 11 Success Contribution
Crucial role in Apollo 11's success solidifies reputation.
Founds Higher Order Software
Establishes her own software company, advancing her career.
Founds Hamilton Technologies
Creates another company, continuing software innovation.
NASA Exceptional Space Act
Receives prestigious award for technical contributions to NASA.
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her pioneering work.
Legacy in Software Engineering
Remains an iconic figure in software engineering and computer science.
Last updated: February 25, 2026