Katherine Johnson was a pioneering African American mathematician who made critical contributions to America’s space program during the 20th century. Her work laid the foundation for the successful manned missions to the moon and beyond. Despite facing numerous obstacles as a woman and an African American in a field dominated by white males, Katherine Johnson broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in STEM. Early Life and Education Katherine Johnson was born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. She showed a remarkable aptitude for mathematics from a young age and was one of three African American students selected to integrate West Virginia’s graduate schools in the late 1930s. Katherine Johnson received her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and French from West Virginia State College in 1937, and later received her Master’s degree in Mathematics from West Virginia University. A Career at NASA’s Predecessor After graduating, Katherine Johnson began working as a teacher before accepting a position as a research mathematician at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the predecessor to NASA, in 1953. At NACA, Katherine Johnson worked on various projects related to aircraft performance, including the calculation of flight paths for the first manned spaceflights. Her work was critical to the success of NASA’s early missions, including the first successful manned orbital flight by astronaut John Glenn in 1962. Pioneering Contributions to America’s Space Program Katherine Johnson’s work at NASA was ground-breaking and paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in STEM. Despite facing discrimination and racism, Katherine Johnson was determined to make a difference and used her exceptional mathematical skills to solve complex problems. Her work on the Apollo 11 mission, which put the first human beings on the moon in 1969, was particularly noteworthy. She calculated the trajectory for the lunar landing, ensuring that the spacecraft would be able to safely land on the moon and return to Earth. Retirement and Legacy Katherine Johnson retired from NASA in 1986 after a long and distinguished career. Despite her many achievements, Katherine Johnson remained humble and dedicated to inspiring the next generation of mathematicians and scientists. In 2015, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for her pioneering work in mathematics and her contributions to America’s space program. Katherine Johnson passed away on February 24, 2020, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Conclusion Katherine Johnson was a pioneering African American mathematician who made critical contributions to America’s space program. Despite facing numerous obstacles as a woman and an African American in a field dominated by white males, Katherine Johnson broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in STEM. Her exceptional mathematical skills, determination, and dedication to her work will continue to inspire future generations for years to come.

NASA has a long and rich history of diversity, with numerous groundbreaking achievements by Black women who have made significant contributions to the space agency. Despite this, their stories are often hidden and untold, leaving the public with an incomplete understanding of the many brilliant individuals who have shaped the world of space exploration. This article aims to shine a light on some of these inspiring Black women groundbreakers who have made an impact in NASA. With rich and comprehensive details, this guide provides an overview of their contributions and celebrates their achievements, thereby making them “hidden no more.” Mary Jackson: Breaking Barriers as an Engineer Mary Jackson was the first African American woman to be hired as an engineer at NASA’s National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), later known as NASA. She worked on the Supersonic Pressure Tunnel, a powerful wind tunnel that simulated flight at high speeds, helping researchers understand the behavior of aircraft and their components at supersonic speeds. Jackson’s work paved the way for other women and minorities to enter the field of engineering at NASA. Despite the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry, she persevered and became a role model for future generations of scientists and engineers. Katherine Johnson: A Pioneer in Computer Science Katherine Johnson was a pioneer in computer science and a trailblazer for Black women in the field. She played a critical role in calculating the flight paths of spacecraft, including the Apollo missions that sent astronauts to the moon. Her work was critical to the success of these missions and was instrumental in making space exploration possible. Johnson’s expertise and attention to detail made her a valued member of the NASA team. She received numerous awards for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of computer scientists and space enthusiasts. Dorothy Vaughan: A Leader in Computers and Mathematics Dorothy Vaughan was a leader in the field of computers and mathematics and made significant contributions to NASA’s early space program. She was the first African American woman to be promoted to a supervisor position at the agency, leading a team of mathematicians and computers in the preparation of calculations for flight missions. Vaughan’s expertise and leadership skills helped pave the way for other Black women to enter the field of mathematics and computer science at NASA. Her work helped lay the foundation for the success of future space missions, and her contributions continue to be celebrated as a testament to the impact that Black women can make in the field of science and technology. Conclusion: Celebrating the Contributions of Black Women Groundbreakers in NASA Black women have played an instrumental role in the history of NASA and space exploration, making significant contributions in fields such as engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Despite their achievements, their stories are often untold and hidden from the public. This article aims to celebrate their achievements and make their contributions “hidden no more.” Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts and serves as a reminder of the impact that Black women can have in the field of science and technology. It is essential that we continue to tell their stories, so that the world can better understand the rich history and diverse perspectives that have shaped the field of space exploration.