NASA 'Hidden Figure' and computer scientist

 

President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to NASA's mathematician Katherine Johnson.

Who was Katherine Johnson?

Katherine Johnson, born Katherine Coleman on August 26, 1918, was an American mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to NASA's space program during the early days of human spaceflight. She was one of the key figures in the calculation of trajectories for numerous space missions, including the Mercury and Apollo programs.

Johnson began her career at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA, in 1953. Her exceptional mathematical skills were recognized, and she worked as a "human computer," performing complex calculations by hand. Her work primarily focused on orbital mechanics, trajectory analysis, and launch windows for space missions.

One of Katherine Johnson's most notable contributions came during John Glenn's historic orbital mission aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. She performed the trajectory calculations that ensured his successful orbit around the Earth. Her precise calculations were so trusted that Glenn requested that she verify the computer-generated results before his flight, emphasizing his confidence in her work.

Johnson's achievements were particularly significant as an African American woman working in a predominantly male and racially segregated field during the early years of the civil rights movement. Her dedication, talent, and perseverance helped break down barriers and paved the way for more opportunities for women and minorities in the field of mathematics and science.

In 2015, Katherine Johnson's story gained widespread recognition through the book "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly, which was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film of the same name in 2016. The book and movie shed light on the contributions of Johnson and other African American women mathematicians at NASA.

Katherine Johnson passed away on February 24, 2020, at the age of 101. Her legacy continues to inspire and serves as a reminder of the important role women and minorities have played in advancing science and space exploration.