Katherine Johnson, the legendary Black female NASA mathematician, who sent astronauts to space, kept them on course and brought them home safely, passed away yesterday at age 101. Described as a ‘human computer’, the pioneering mathematician also broke down barriers for both women and people of colour in the STEM fields.
“NASA is deeply saddened by the loss of a leader from our pioneering days, and we send our deepest condolences to the family of Katherine Johnson. Ms Johnson helped our nation enlarge the frontiers of space even as she made huge strides that also opened doors for women and people of colour in the universal human quest to explore space,” stated NASA Administrator James Bridenstine.
“Her dedication and skill as a mathematician helped put humans on the moon and before that made it possible for our astronauts to take the first steps in space that we now follow on a journey to Mars. Her Presidential Medal of Freedom was a well-deserved recognition.”
UNFORGETTABLE AMERICAN HERO
The retired mathematician was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour, back in 2015. She started work at NASA’s predecessor the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in 1953. Among many impressive feats, Johnson famously calculated the flight trajectory for Alan Shepard, the first American in space. Her pioneering legacy will certainly never be forgotten.
In fact, her contributions and those of other NASA African-American ‘human computers’ have been chronicled in the movie, Hidden Figures based on a book by Margot Lee Shetterly. The 2016 Hollywood movie tells the story of how Johnson, along with her two African-American colleagues, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, were the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The stunning achievement restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanised the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
“At NASA we will never forget her courage and leadership and the milestones we could not have reached without her,” added Bridenstine. “We will continue building on her legacy and work tirelessly to increase opportunities for everyone who has something to contribute toward the ongoing work of raising the bar of human potential.”
Click here for more information about Johnson’s legacy at NASA.
Sign up for our newsletter
