Katherine Johnson, who died at the age of 101, was the mathematician whose math work helped calculate the trajectories for Alan Shepard’s history-making journey in space. Also, she was the one that gave John Glenn’s mission into orbit a go ahead.
Though she was initially rejected by NASA when she first applied, Katherine Johnson was tasked by Glenn to verify the computer’s work by cross-checking all the math done by a computer that had been programmed with the orbital equations that would control the trajectory of the capsule in Glenn’s Friendship 7 mission.
According to Katherine Johnson, her greatest achievement would be her contribution to space exploration calculations that helped with Project Apollo’s Lunar Lander — the moon-orbiting Command Service Module.
In rememberance of her huge contribution, a movie was made in her honour, titled “Hidden Figure”, and released in 2016. Her figure was starred by prominent actress Taraji P. Henson. The movie nominated for the Academy Award (Oscar). Katherine Johnson was also honoured at the 2017 Oscars.
In 2015 and at 97 years of age, Katherine Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Rest in Power, Queen, from all of us here at Crumour.
