Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson (1918 - 2000) was an American mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the field of space exploration and aeronautics. Born in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, she overcame racial and gender barriers to become a pivotal figure at NASA during the early days of the space program.
Johnson's mathematical expertise was instrumental in calculating the trajectories for some of the United States' most important space missions. She played a crucial role in the Mercury and Apollo programs, performing complex calculations that were essential for the success of spaceflights. Her calculations were crucial for John Glenn's historic orbital flight in 1962, where Glenn personally requested that she verify the electronic calculations before the mission.
Johnson's work went beyond mathematics; her contributions helped pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Her achievements as an African-American woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry inspired generations of mathematicians, engineers, and scientists.