Everyone called Katherine Johnson a 'computer'. Because, by accurate calculation, he used to determine the flight path of the rocket. That too with his own hands. There were no computers, no modern technology in today's state.
John Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth in space because he had a 'human computer' like Catherine. Without Catherine, Neil Armstrong might never have set foot on the moon. His accurate calculations sent astronauts into space and brought them back safely.
Received posthumous recognition
Katherine Johnson is being awarded the National Geographic Society's Hubbard Medal this year for her significant contribution to space exploration. He didn't go into space physically, but if it weren't for him, there would be nothing called space missions. Catherine died last February at the age of 101.
Catherine Johnson Photo: NASA
The astronauts of the Apollo lunar mission also received the same award. However, in 1989, the same year of the expedition. After so many days, even after her death, Catherine's work was recognized by the National Geographic Society. He has received some recognition in his lifetime. In 2016, NASA built a 40,000-square-foot laboratory in the name of Katherine Johnson at a cost of কোটি 30 million. Former United States President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But he never expected recognition. He has always done his work in secret.
"The astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission received the award 50 years ago," said Jill Tyfenhaler, chief executive of the National Geographic Society, in a statement. We are honored to recognize the work of the mathematician who made these missions possible. '
'Math Genius'
Alan B. Shepherd was the first U.S. citizen to fly into space in 1961 due to his extraordinary math skills. With that same skill, John Glenn orbited the Earth in space a year later. Catherine's most notable work was probably the 1989 Apollo 11 mission. He calculated the flight path of the rocket while sitting on the earth. On the other hand, mortals put their first foot on the ground of the moon. Which is considered one of the most significant achievements of the United States so far.
Katherine has been known as the 'Math Genius' since the beginning. Admitted to high school at the age of 10. Four years later he graduated and was admitted to West Virginia State College. He graduated at the age of 18.

Catherine Johnson, a NASA mathematician, working at NASA's Langley Research Center in 1986. Photo: NASA
As a child, Katherine lived with her family in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, USA. At that time, black students in that region did not have the opportunity to study more than sixth grade. That's why Catherine's father, Joshua Coleman, built a house 125 miles away with his family. Katherine got the opportunity to study there with her siblings.
In 1939, she became the first black woman to attend postgraduate studies at West Virginia University. From there he took a master's degree in mathematics. She became the third Afro-American woman to receive a PhD. Catherine joined NASA in 1952. At that time, a few other black women mathematicians were working at NASA. He started working with them. Then began the magic of his mathematics.
He was fearless
Catherine's three daughters. The two have followed in their mother's footsteps. Jolett Heilick joined NASA in 1982 after graduating from Hampton University. Kathy Moore has worked as a math teacher or advisor for 33 years. Both are now retired. Another daughter, Constance Gobal Garcia, died in 2010.
Young Catherine Johnson
Recalling her mother, Kathy said, ‘She was fearless. Think back to the 30's, 40's and 50's. First, it was difficult for women to work outside the home. He worked on mathematics and research. I think he did it because he was fearless. '
Katherine always told her daughters to do their own thing. "My mother used to say, 'It's good to be stubborn, but not arrogant.' Do what you have to do. There is no need for more names for this. '
Catherine's efforts have shown others the way. Unbeknownst to her, Katherine has worked for female astronauts like Christina Koch. Among women, Christina has spent a long time in space. In addition, Christina took part in the All-Female Space Walk with Jessica Mayer in October 2019. That means for the first time ‘walking’ in space without a male partner. Christina said of Katherine Johnson, ‘When I think of Katherine Johnson and her background, I fall in love. He is facing more challenges than me. '
wow she is adorable.