Katherine Johnson
1918 – 2020
Who was Katherine Johnson?
Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) was an American mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics at NASA were critical to the first US crewed spaceflights. Her story was told in the 2016 book and film Hidden Figures.
Key Achievement
Calculated critical trajectories for NASA's first human spaceflights, including Apollo 11's moon landing
Her story
Katherine Johnson was an American mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of U.S. spaceflights. Born in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, she showed exceptional mathematical ability from an early age, graduating from high school at 14 and college at 18.
At NASA, Johnson calculated the trajectory for Alan Shepard's first space flight and the launch window for his 1961 Mercury mission. Her work was crucial for the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, where astronaut John Glenn specifically requested that she personally recheck the calculations made by the new electronic computers before his historic orbital flight.
Despite facing discrimination as both an African American and a woman in a predominantly white, male field, Johnson's brilliance and precision earned her respect and recognition. Her contributions remained largely unrecognized until her story was told in the book and film "Hidden Figures."
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 and continued to inspire young mathematicians and scientists until her passing in 2020 at age 101. Her legacy demonstrates the profound impact one person can have when given the opportunity to contribute their talents to humanity's greatest achievements.
Questions people ask about Katherine Johnson
What did Katherine Johnson do at NASA?
She calculated trajectories, launch windows and return paths for spaceflights, including Alan Shepard's 1961 flight and Apollo 11's 1969 Moon landing.
Did John Glenn ask for Katherine Johnson?
Yes. Before his 1962 orbital flight, John Glenn asked for Johnson to check the electronic computer's numbers by hand, reportedly saying 'If she says they're good, then I'm ready to go.'
Is Hidden Figures about Katherine Johnson?
Yes. Hidden Figures tells the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, Black women mathematicians at NASA's Langley centre. Taraji P. Henson played Johnson.
What awards did Katherine Johnson receive?
President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. NASA later named a research facility after her.
Sources & further reading
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