Early Life and Education

Katherine Johnson, born Katherine Coleman on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, was an American mathematician. Her calculations were crucial to the success of NASA’s early space missions. Her journey from child to celebrated NASA mathematician proves her brilliance and passion.

Johnson’s love for mathematics was evident from a young age. She counted everything, from steps to dishes. Her parents, Joshua and Joylette Coleman, provided the best education possible. At the young age of 10, Johnson was a high school student.

Due to her academic achievements, Johnson attended West Virginia State College. She thrived under Dr. William W. Schieffelin Claytor’s guidance. In 1937, at just 18, she earned degrees in mathematics and French, graduating summa cum laude.

Personal Life

In 1939, Johnson married James Goble, with whom she had three daughters: Joylette, Katherine, and Constance. After James’ death in 1956, she married James A. “Jim” Johnson in 1959, who remained her husband until his passing in 2019.

Professional Career and Achievements

In 1953, Johnson’s journey with NASA commenced as she became a member of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the precursor to NASA. Johnson’s skills and curiosity distinguished her from other female calculators.

She achieved a breakthrough as a result of the space race triggered by Sputnik’s 1957 launch. Johnson’s calculations were essential to the success of the 1961 Freedom 7 mission, America’s first human spaceflight, piloted by Alan Shepard.

Major Contributions and Impact

In 1962, astronaut John Glenn asked Johnson to personally check the calculations for his space mission, marking her most renowned achievement. Glenn famously said, “If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go”. This showed Johnson’s exceptional abilities and the faith people had in her work.

The Apollo 11 moon landing and the Apollo 13 rescue were among Johnson’s significant career achievements. A 33-year NASA career included co-authoring 26 research reports and Space Shuttle program work, concluding with her retirement in 1986.

Legacy and Recognition

The significance of Katherine Johnson’s work in space exploration was not recognized for years. However, in her later life, she received numerous honors. She received the U.S.’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Obama in 2015, at the age of 97. Johnson’s story achieved global recognition through the 2016 book “Hidden Figures” and its film adaptation.

On February 24, 2020, Katherine Johnson passed away at the age of 101 in Newport News, Virginia. She remains a source of inspiration for scientists and mathematicians, generations later, due to her groundbreaking work as a woman and African American in STEM.

Katherine Johnson’s inspiring life teaches us the value of perseverance, an inquisitive mind, and a thirst for knowledge. Her revolutionary work in space exploration simultaneously advanced the field and increased diversity and inclusion in STEM.