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How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon

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A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon

by Suzanne Slade

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	116411 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	39 pages

Katherine Johnson was an African American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race. She was one of the "computers" who calculated the trajectories of rockets and spacecraft. Her work was essential to the success of the Apollo 11 mission, which put the first humans on the moon.

Johnson was born in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in 1918. She showed a talent for mathematics at an early age. She skipped two grades in school and graduated from high school at the age of 15. She then attended West Virginia State College, where she earned a degree in mathematics and physics.

After graduating from college, Johnson worked as a teacher and a mathematician for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA),which later became NASA. She was one of the first African Americans to work as a mathematician for NASA.

Johnson's work at NASA was essential to the success of the Apollo program. She calculated the trajectories of the rockets and spacecraft that took the astronauts to the moon. She also calculated the re-entry path for the Apollo 11 spacecraft, which brought the astronauts back to Earth safely.

Johnson's accomplishments were recognized by NASA and by the American public. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. She was also featured in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, which told the story of the African American women who worked as mathematicians for NASA.

Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician who made significant contributions to the success of the American space program. Her story is an inspiration to all who dream of achieving great things.

Additional Information

Johnson was one of the first African Americans to work as a mathematician for NASA.
She calculated the trajectories of the rockets and spacecraft that took the astronauts to the moon.
She also calculated the re-entry path for the Apollo 11 spacecraft, which brought the astronauts back to Earth safely.
Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
She was also featured in the 2016 film Hidden Figures.

Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America On The Moon