Early Years
Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) was an African-American mathematician and trailblazing figure in the field of space exploration. Despite the odds against her, Johnson was able to achieve academic excellence from an early age, graduating from high school at the age of 14. She attended West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University) and graduated summa cum laude in 1937 with a degree in Mathematics and French.
Personal Life
Throughout her later years, Johnson was actively involved in her community. She was a member of the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women, and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Johnson was married twice and had three daughters.
Career
In 1953, Johnson began working as a “human computer” at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which would eventually become NASA. As a computer, Johnson was responsible for performing complex calculations for the agency’s space exploration missions. She worked for NASA from 1953-1986 and was portrayed in the 2016 film Hidden Figures. Her work as a “human computer” was essential to the success of the Mercury and Apollo projects.
Accomplishments
- Developed the mathematics for the first successful orbital flight of a spacecraft, the Friendship 7 mission
- Authored the research paper for the first successful re-entry of a spacecraft into the Earth’s atmosphere, the Freedom 7 mission
- Helped develop a moon landing trajectory for the Apollo 11 mission
- Helped calculate the trajectory for the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon
- Authored several papers on the subject of orbital mechanics and space navigation
Books
- The Human Computer: The Life and Work of Katherine Johnson by Dr. Margot Lee Shetterly
- Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker
- A Trailblazer: Katherine Johnson, Mathematician and Space Pioneer by Tonya Bolden
- Katherine Johnson: The Real Hidden Figure Behind the Movie by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
- Katherine Johnson: A Space Scientist’s Triumphant Journey by Heather E. Schwartz
Exceptional Traits
Legacy
Katherine Johnson was known for her exceptional work ethic and her ability to quickly and accurately complete complex calculations. Her intelligence and skills were highly respected by her colleagues, and she was known for her positive attitude and willingness to help those in need. She left an indelible mark on the world of space exploration, and her legacy continues to inspire young people to pursue science and mathematics. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 for her contributions to the space program.
