Yesterday marked the 106th birthday of Katherine Johnson, the groundbreaking NASA mathematician who played a crucial role in America’s space race. Her extraordinary life and achievements continue to inspire generations of scientists and mathematicians.
Johnson’s remarkable journey from a curious child in West Virginia to a key figure at NASA exemplifies perseverance and brilliance. Her calculations were instrumental in sending the first Americans to space and eventually to the moon.
From Child Prodigy to NASA Pioneer
Born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Johnson showed an exceptional aptitude for mathematics from an early age. She famously said, “I counted everything. I counted the steps to the road, the steps up to church, the number of dishes and silverware I washed.”
Johnson’s talent propelled her through school at an accelerated pace. By age 15, she had entered West Virginia State College. There, she found mentors who recognized and nurtured her exceptional abilities.
Breaking Barriers at NASA
In 1953, Johnson joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), NASA’s predecessor. She quickly distinguished herself among the “human computers” – women who performed complex mathematical calculations for the agency.
Johnson’s inquisitive nature set her apart. “The women did what they were told to do,” she explained. “I asked questions; I wanted to know why.” This approach led to her becoming an invaluable team member during the space race.
Calculations That Launched America into Space
Johnson’s work was crucial to several historic space missions. She calculated the trajectory for Alan Shepard’s 1961 mission, America’s first human spaceflight. Her computations were also vital for John Glenn’s orbital flight in 1962.
Perhaps most notably, Johnson’s calculations helped send astronauts to the moon in 1969. Her work ensured the Apollo missions’ success, cementing America’s place in space exploration history.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Johnson retired from NASA in 1986 after 33 years of service. However, her impact on science and mathematics education persists. She often spoke to students, encouraging them to pursue STEM careers.
“We will always have STEM with us,” Johnson would tell students. “Everything is physics and math.” Her words continue to motivate young minds to explore the wonders of science and mathematics.
Honoring a Hidden Figure
Johnson’s contributions were largely unrecognized for decades. However, recent years have seen a surge in appreciation for her work. The 2016 film “Hidden Figures” brought her story to a wider audience.
In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded Johnson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor. NASA has also named facilities after her, ensuring her legacy lives on in the agency she served so brilliantly.
