NASA's "Hidden Figures," whose work helped put men on the moon, were honored Wednesday in a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony.

The hidden figures of the space race were recognized with Congress’ highest honor at a medal ceremony on Wednesday.

NASA Administrator Nelson described while presenting the awards, “The pioneers that we honor today, these Hidden Figures — their courage and imagination brought us to the Moon. And their lessons, their legacy, will send us back to the Moon and then, imagine, just imagine, when we leave our footprints on the red sands of Mars.”