Katherine Johnson: The Woman Who Took a Man to Space

Katherine Johnson was an American mathematician who played a significant role in the space race. Her remarkable achievements and legacy continue to inspire girls and women around the world never to give up on their dreams.

Born in West Virginia in 1918, Katherine showed a natural talent for mathematics from a young age. Despite being a woman and an African American, she pursued her passion for mathematics and graduated with honors from West Virginia State College.

In 1953, Katherine joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She worked as a "human computer" and was responsible for calculating complex mathematical equations necessary for space travel.

Katherine's most notable contribution was her work on the trajectory for Alan Shepard's space flight in 1961, the first American to enter space. Her calculations were so accurate that NASA relied on her for the calculations of all subsequent space flights, including John Glenn's historic orbit around the Earth in 1962.

Katherine's legacy extends beyond her groundbreaking work at NASA. She was a trailblazer for women and minorities in the field of mathematics and engineering. Her achievements were recognized when she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2015.

Katherine's story has been immortalized in the book "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly and the movie of the same name. Her inspiring journey serves as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

In conclusion, Katherine Johnson's contributions to the space race and her unwavering determination to follow her passion for mathematics continue to inspire generations of women and girls. Her legacy is a testament to the fact that with perseverance, anything is possible.