Katherine Johnson was a pioneering African American mathematician whose incredible work at NASA made her a crucial figure in the success of some of the United States’ most important space missions. From calculating flight trajectories for the first U.S. astronauts to helping ensure the safe landing of Apollo 11 on the Moon, her contributions changed the course of history. Johnson’s story also highlights her perseverance in breaking racial and gender barriers during a time of segregation in America.
Most notably, Katherine Johnson’s life was immortalized in the popular film Hidden Figures (2016), which depicted her role and that of her colleagues in NASA’s early space missions. Today, she remains an inspiring figure in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), whose legacy continues to encourage future generations to pursue careers in science and mathematics.
Key Takeaways
- Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician whose work at NASA was essential to the success of early U.S. space missions, including Apollo 11.
- She broke racial and gender barriers, becoming one of the first African American women to work as a scientist at NASA.
- Johnson’s life and contributions were highlighted in the book and movie Hidden Figures.
- She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 for her achievements.
- Her legacy continues to inspire students and professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Early Life of Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was born Katherine Coleman on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. From an early age, she demonstrated a talent for mathematics, which earned her a place in high school by the age of 10, and she graduated at just 14 years old. After high school, Johnson attended West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University), where she earned degrees in both mathematics and French.
Despite the racial and gender barriers of the time, Katherine Johnson was determined to pursue her passion for numbers. Her exceptional mathematical skills and persistence would eventually lead her to NASA, where she would make history.
Katherine Johnson’s Career at NASA
In 1953, Katherine Johnson joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. She was part of the "West Area Computers," a group of African American women who manually performed complex mathematical calculations before computers were widely available. Johnson quickly gained a reputation for her accuracy and innovative thinking.
Her big break came when astronaut John Glenn personally requested that Johnson recheck the computer’s calculations for his 1962 orbital flight around the Earth. He famously said, "If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go." Her work ensured the success of that mission, making her an essential figure in NASA’s space program.
Throughout her career, Johnson calculated trajectories and flight paths for other key missions, including the Apollo 11 mission that landed humans on the Moon in 1969. She worked on the Space Shuttle program and even contributed to plans for future missions to Mars.
| Key Life Events | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Katherine Johnson (née Coleman) |
| Born | August 26, 1918, White Sulphur Springs, WV |
| Education | West Virginia State College, Degrees in Mathematics and French |
| Famous For | Calculating flight paths for NASA’s Mercury and Apollo missions |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | 2015 |
| Featured In | Hidden Figures (2016), a film about her life |
| Death | February 24, 2020, at the age of 101 |
Katherine Johnson’s story became widely known after the release of the film Hidden Figures in 2016. The movie, based on a book by Margot Lee Shetterly, tells the inspiring true story of Johnson and two of her African American colleagues, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who worked at NASA during the 1960s.
The film highlighted the challenges these women faced in a segregated workplace, as well as their determination and brilliance. It also brought attention to the fact that African American women made significant contributions to the space race, even though their achievements were often overlooked for decades.
Katherine Johnson’s Legacy
Katherine Johnson’s work was not only crucial for NASA’s space missions but also for paving the way for women and minorities in science and engineering fields. She authored or co-authored 26 research papers during her career, and her meticulous work helped ensure the safety of astronauts and the success of numerous missions.
In recognition of her contributions, Johnson received several prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. Several schools and educational programs have been named after her, continuing to inspire young minds.
Katherine Johnson Facts for Kids
- Katherine Johnson was born on August 26, 1918.
- She was very good at math and graduated from high school at just 14 years old.
- She worked at NASA, where she helped astronauts go to space.
- Katherine Johnson’s story is told in the movie Hidden Figures.
- She received many awards for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- She lived to be 101 years old and passed away in 2020.
FAQ
Who was Katherine Johnson?
Katherine Johnson was an African American mathematician who worked at NASA. She is known for calculating the flight paths that helped launch astronauts into space, including the famous Apollo 11 mission to the Moon.
What did Katherine Johnson do at NASA?
Katherine Johnson worked on important space missions, including calculating the flight path for John Glenn’s orbital flight and the Apollo 11 mission. Her work was essential to the success of these missions.
When did Katherine Johnson die?
Katherine Johnson passed away on February 24, 2020, at the age of 101.
Why is Katherine Johnson famous?
Katherine Johnson is famous for her mathematical contributions to NASA’s space missions, including her work on the Mercury and Apollo programs. She also broke barriers as one of the first African American women to work as a scientist at NASA.
What is Hidden Figures about?
Hidden Figures is a movie that tells the story of Katherine Johnson and two other African American women, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who worked at NASA during the 1960s. The film highlights their contributions to space exploration and the challenges they faced in a segregated workplace.
What awards did Katherine Johnson receive?
Katherine Johnson received many awards during her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 for her outstanding contributions to space exploration and mathematics.
What is Katherine Johnson’s legacy?
Katherine Johnson’s legacy is one of perseverance, intelligence, and breaking barriers. Her work at NASA has inspired generations of students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Many schools and programs are named in her honor.