The “Human Computer” Katherine Johnson Saved Number of Lives in NASA Space Travel!
Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician whose expertise was key to the success of NASA’s early space missions. Dubbed a “human computer,” Johnson’s calculations were essential to the safety and success of several critical NASA missions. This includes John Glenn’s orbital flight and the Apollo 11 moon landing. Her work ensured that astronauts could embark on dangerous missions.
Johnson’s ability to calculate complex trajectories and flight paths made her an indispensable asset to NASA. Her work directly contributed to the success of missions that could have otherwise ended in disaster. For instance, her verification of the computer-generated numbers for John Glenn’s 1962 orbital flight was so trusted that Glenn himself insisted on her approval before launching. Later, her calculations for the Apollo 11 mission ensured that astronauts could return safely to Earth. This solidified her legacy. Let’s learn more about this remarkable yet hidden, personality.
Pioneering Path to NASA
Katherine Johnson was born in 1918 in West Virginia, during that infamous Jim Crow era. Her father was a farmer and a janitor, while her mom was a teacher. Johnson showed strong mathematical abilities from an early age. She entered high school at just ten years old and graduated from college at 18, earning degrees in mathematics and French.
In the mid-1950s, NASA (then known as the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, or NACA) was looking into sending people to space for the first time—a task that required crunching a lot of numbers. Without the high-powered computers we have at our disposal today, the agency hired a team of women “computers” to do the complex math for low wages. Johnson was interested, but the first time she applied for the job there were no positions left for her. She applied a second time the following year and made it in. In 1953, she joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) . She was part of the all-black West Area Computing section, where she quickly stood out for her mathematical precision and insight.
Calculating the Path to Space
One of Johnson’s earliest and most critical contributions was calculating the trajectory for Alan Shepard’s 1961 suborbital flight, making him the first American in space. The calculations had to be perfect, as even the smallest error could have disastrous consequences. Johnson’s work ensured that Shepard’s mission was a success, laying the groundwork for future space exploration.
Katherine Johnson’s contribution to John Glenn’s Historic Orbit
In 1962, when NASA prepared to send John Glenn on his historic mission to become the first American to orbit the Earth, the agency relied heavily on Johnson’s expertise. Although NASA had begun using computers for calculations, Glenn insisted that Johnson personally verify the computer-generated numbers. “If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go,” Glenn famously stated. Johnson manually checked the calculations, confirming their accuracy and contributing to the mission’s success. Glenn’s flight was a pivotal moment in the Space Race, and Johnson’s work was central to its success.
“If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go,”
John Glen
Ensuring Apollo 11’s Safe Return
Katherine Johnson’s contributions didn’t end with Glenn’s orbit. She played a vital role in the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, which landed the first humans on the moon. She worked with NASA’s team of engineers to pinpoint the time and location of departure that would put astronauts on track for the moon. Her calculations were crucial in plotting the flight path that would bring the astronauts safely back to Earth. The stakes were incredibly high, as any miscalculation could have led to the astronauts being stranded in space or crashing upon reentry. Johnson’s precise calculations ensured the mission’s success, making her an integral part of this historic achievement.
Beyond Apollo: Katherine Johnson’s Contributions to the Space Shuttle Program
Johnson continued to work at NASA well into the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to the Space Shuttle program and the Earth Resources Satellite. Her work helped lay the foundation for the safe and efficient operation of the Space Shuttle, a reusable spacecraft that would carry astronauts into space for decades. Her calculations and insight were invaluable in an era where every mission carried enormous risks and challenges.
Recognition and Legacy
Despite the critical nature of her work, Katherine Johnson’s contributions went largely unrecognized for many years. It wasn’t until much later in her life that she began receiving the recognition she deserved. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. Her story was also brought to the forefront in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, which highlighted the contributions of African American women at NASA.
Johnson’s legacy is not just in the missions she helped succeed but also in the barriers she broke down for women and people of color in STEM fields. Her life and work continue to inspire new generations of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers, proving that determination, skill, and intellect know no boundaries.
Conclusion
Katherine Johnson’s mathematical brilliance saved lives and ensured the success of some of NASA’s most critical missions. From calculating the trajectory for the first American in space to ensuring the safe return of the Apollo 11 astronauts, her work was indispensable. Johnson’s contributions laid the groundwork for future space exploration and left an indelible mark on history. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world.
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