Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician, played a pivotal role in NASA's early space program.
Her exceptional skills in calculating trajectories and orbital mechanics were instrumental in the success of several groundbreaking missions, including Alan Shepard's first suborbital flight and John Glenn's historic orbit around Earth.
Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, Katherine persevered and rose through the ranks at NASA. She became a respected member of the team, earning the admiration of her colleagues for her sharp intellect and unwavering dedication.
One of Katherine's most notable contributions was her work on the Apollo missions. She meticulously checked the calculations for the lunar lander's descent and ascent trajectories, ensuring that the astronauts could safely land on the moon and return to Earth.