Legendary NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson Passes Away at 101
Monday, February 24, 2020
Katherine Johnson passes away. PHOTO: NASA
Johnson was portrayed in the 2016 film “Hidden Figures,” about African American women whose work at NASA was important during the Space Race.
“We’re saddened by the passing of celebrated Hidden Figures mathematician Katherine Johnson. Today, we celebrate her 101 years of life and honor her legacy of excellence that broke down racial and social barriers,” wrote NASA in a tweet on Monday.
A cause of death has not been given.
Johnson at NASA
Johnson began working at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia in 1953.
In her role there, she did trajectory analysis for Alan Shepard’s 1961 mission Freedom 7, which was America’s first human spaceflight.
Johnson was best known for her work that contributed to the first American orbital spaceflight that was piloted by John Glenn.
Johnson’s calculations were important to the start of the Space Shuttle program, and she worked on plans for a mission to Mars.
“Our NASA family is sad to learn the news that Katherine Johnson passed away this morning at 101 years old. She was an American hero and her pioneering legacy will never be forgotten,” wrote NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a tweet.
Johnson worked for NASA for over three decades before retiring in 1986.
In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded Johnson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In 2019, Johnson was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
About Johnson
Johnson was born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, Johnson went on to graduate from West Virginia State College with highest honors in 1937.
After graduating, she started teaching at a black public school in Virginia.
Johnson married James Goble in 1939 and the two remained married until 1956.
The two had three daughters together.
Johnson later married Colonel James Johnson in 1959.
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