Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson Goble, born August 26, 1918, was one of the first African American women who worked for NASA. At age 13, she was already in high school at West Virginia State College, and at age 18, she applied for college there. 

She later went to work at NASA at the NACAs West Area Computing Unit. This unit was composed of African American women who calculated complex mathematical equations for engineers by hand. When John Glenn was preparing to be sent into space in a race against the Soviets, a calculating machine was newly built. Since the machine was so new and not always accurate, John Glenn trusted Johnson’s calculations more than the new revolutionary calculating machine. She confirmed that the calculating machine planned his flight correctly. 

Johnson calculated the flight paths of this mission and many more by hand. She eventually retired from NASA in 1986. She, and the group of amazing black women she worked with, opened doors and earned respect for both African Americans and women throughout NASA and science fields. Watch her story in the Academy Award nominated film Hidden Figures.