“Long before her story reached millions through Hidden Figures, Katherine Johnson was doing the mathematics that helped make American space exploration possible.
Born in West Virginia in 1918, Johnson graduated from college at just 18 with degrees in mathematics and French. In 1953, she joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the agency that later became NASA, as one of the Black women mathematicians known as “human computers.”
Her calculations helped determine the flight trajectory for Alan Shepard’s 1961 mission, making him the first American in space.
Then came a defining moment in 1962. Before astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth, he asked for Johnson to personally verify the electronic computer’s calculations. He trusted her mathematical expertise to help confirm the numbers guiding his flight.
Her contributions continued into the Apollo era, including work that helped synchronize the lunar module with the spacecraft orbiting the Moon.
Despite the racial and gender barriers of her time, Johnson built a remarkable 33-year career at NASA. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor.
She passed away in 2020 at age 101, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of scientists, mathematicians and young women pursuing careers in STEM.
Katherine Johnson’s story reminds us that behind some of humanity’s greatest achievements are people whose work may happen far from the spotlight, but whose impact reaches beyond the stars.
Her calculations helped guide astronauts into space. Her legacy continues to open doors here on Earth.
Source: NASA and the Katherine Johnson biography published by NASA.”
