Katherine Johnson: The Hidden Figure Who Changed the World

Katherine Johnson was a math genius who shattered barriers at NASA and drove the space program during its formative years. She was a hidden figure who played an instrumental role in key missions, including the Apollo 11 moon landing. Her contributions were vital to cementing the US as the leader in space exploration and inspiring generations of girls and women to pursue STEM careers.

Johnson was born in 1918 in West Virginia, USA. She showed an early aptitude for math, and her parents supported her education, although segregation and gender discrimination limited her opportunities. She attended West Virginia State College and obtained degrees in math and French, graduating summa cum laude in 1937. She taught at a black high school but yearned for more challenging work.

In 1953, Johnson joined the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, as a “human computer,” one of the hundreds of African-American women who performed complex calculations by hand for NASA engineers. She quickly distinguished herself as one of the most talented “computers” and became a crucial contributor to the Space Task Group, the team responsible for launching the US into space.

During her tenure at NASA, Johnson calculated the trajectories, launch windows, and emergency return paths for several missions, including the first US human spaceflight by Alan Shepard in 1961. She also checked and verified the numbers for John Glenn’s orbit around the Earth in 1962, which required her to manually solve complex equations using slide rules and pencils. Glenn refused to board the space capsule until Johnson validated the results, saying, “Get the girl to check the numbers. If she says the numbers are good, I’m ready to go.”

Perhaps Johnson’s greatest achievement came during the Apollo 11 mission to the moon in 1969. She calculated the precise coordinates for the Lunar Module to land and ensured that it could rendezvous with the Command Module for the return trip to Earth. Her calculations were so precise that NASA used them as a backup to the onboard computer’s calculations.

Johnson retired from NASA in 1986 after a 33-year career but never stopped using her talents to inspire others. She championed math education and mentored countless students, especially girls and minorities, to pursue their dreams in math and science. In 2015, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the US.

Johnson’s life and legacy became widely known johnson” title=”Glory Johnson”>through the book “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly, which later became a popular movie. The book and movie reveal the stories of several African-American women, including Johnson, who worked at NASA during the early years of the space race. The book’s title refers to the fact that their contributions were largely unrecognized and overshadowed by white male engineers.

In conclusion, Katherine Johnson was a pioneer who defied the stereotypes and prejudices of her time to become a vital figure in NASA’s success. Her talent, perseverance, and dedication helped make possible some of the most significant achievements in space history. Her legacy as a trailblazer and role model for women and minorities in science will continue to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.

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