Katherine Johnson

Definition

Katherine Johnson was an African American mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the early United States space program. Her work in the field of mathematics and computing significantly contributed to the development of trajectory analysis for NASA's missions, including the famous Apollo 11 moon landing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Katherine Johnson joined NASA in 1953, initially working at the Langley Research Center, where she was one of the first African American women employed as a mathematician.
2. Her precise calculations helped ensure the success of John Glenn's orbital flight in 1962, as he requested that she personally verify the computer's calculations before launch.
3. Katherine's work extended beyond just trajectories; she also contributed to calculations for several missions, including Apollo 11 and the Space Shuttle program.
4. In 2015, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, recognizing her contributions to space exploration.
5. Katherine Johnson's life and achievements were highlighted in the book and film 'Hidden Figures', bringing her story and the contributions of other African American women in NASA to wider public attention.

Review Questions

• How did Katherine Johnson's contributions impact NASA's early space missions?
  • Katherine Johnson's calculations were essential for ensuring the success of NASA's early space missions. Her expertise in orbital mechanics allowed her to provide accurate trajectory analysis for flights, including John Glenn's historic orbit around Earth. Her ability to validate computer-generated calculations underscored her significance in a time when human judgment was still vital for mission safety.
• Discuss the challenges Katherine Johnson faced as an African American woman working at NASA during her career.
  • Katherine Johnson encountered significant challenges related to racial and gender discrimination while working at NASA. As one of the few African American women in her field during a time of segregation, she had to navigate a workplace that was not always welcoming. Despite these barriers, her mathematical talent and determination allowed her to excel and gain respect from her colleagues, ultimately breaking down some of those barriers in her wake.
• Evaluate how Katherine Johnson's legacy influences current discussions about diversity in STEM fields.
  • Katherine Johnson's legacy continues to play a crucial role in promoting discussions about diversity and representation in STEM fields. Her groundbreaking achievements have inspired new generations of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in these areas. By highlighting her story through various media, it has prompted institutions and organizations to focus on improving diversity and creating inclusive environments that foster innovation and equality in science and technology.

Related terms

NASA: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research.

Orbital Mechanics: The branch of physics that deals with the motions of objects in space, particularly how they move under the influence of gravitational forces.

Human Computers: A term used to describe women mathematicians who performed complex calculations by hand before the advent of modern electronic computers.