NASA research mathematician Katherine Johnson has passed away the age of 101. Johnson was a pioneer in the quest for space travel. Her story was told in the “Hidden Figures.” At one point during John Glen’s historic mission, he requested that Katherine double-check the numbers before he took off. NASA director, Jim Bridenstine released the following statement.
“NASA is deeply saddened by the loss of a leader from our pioneering days, and we send our deepest condolences to the family of Katherine Johnson. Ms. Johnson helped our nation enlarge the frontiers of space even as she made huge strides that also opened doors for women and people of color in the universal human quest to explore space.”
We’re saddened by the passing of celebrated #HiddenFigures mathematician Katherine Johnson. Today, we celebrate her 101 years of life and honor her legacy of excellence that broke down racial and social barriers: https://t.co/Tl3tsHAfYB pic.twitter.com/dGiGmEVvAW
— NASA (@NASA) February 24, 2020
https://www.nasa.gov/langley/katherine-johnson
