Katherine Johnson, pioneering NASA scientist, passed away today at age 101.
Today, Johnson is best known for her mathematician work at NASA doing the complex calculations necessary for Project Mercury, the first manned American space flights. This work included computing trajectory angles, launch windows, and how to guide rockets back home in cases of emergencies. All vital foundations for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
However, for the longest time she wasn’t known at all in American culture. Despite being a hero of space history, the virulent racism and sexism of the 1950s/1960s time she worked in meant that this African-American woman saw her towering achievements ignored and dismissed.
We’re saddened by the passing of celebrated #HiddenFigures mathematician Katherine Johnson. Today, we celebrate her 101 years of life and honor her legacy of excellence that broke down racial and social barriers: https://t.co/Tl3tsHAfYB pic.twitter.com/dGiGmEVvAW
— NASA (@NASA) February 24, 2020
It’s a shame that it took as long as it did, but Johnson did start to receive more recognition in these past few years. President Obama gave her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Her story became the basis of the book Hidden Figures which in turn became an award-winning movie. And ever since she’s become a Black feminist hero, receiving her own Lego figurine and a new NASA facility named after her.
The @NASA family will never forget Katherine Johnson’s courage and the milestones we could not have reached without her. Her story and her grace continue to inspire the world. https://t.co/UPOqo0sLfb pic.twitter.com/xwnRX9oZoi
— Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) February 24, 2020
NASA’s homepage currently highlights several articles celebrating Johnson’s groundbreaking, trailblazing work. From her childhood love of counting to her lifetime of STEM to long overdue praise for her work from other NASA officials. Rest in power, Katherine Johnson.
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