Everyone called Katherine Johnson a ‘computer.’ Because, by accurate calculation, he used to determine the rocket’s flight path. That, too, with his own hands. There was no computer, 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 there would be nothing called space missions if it weren’t for him. Catherine died last February at the age of 101.
The astronauts of the Apollo lunar mission also received the same award. However, in 1969, the same year of the expedition. After so many days, even after her death, the National Geographic Society recognized Catherine’s work. He has received some recognition in his lifetime.
In 2016, NASA built a 40,000-square-foot laboratory named after Katherine Johnson at the cost of 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.
Jill Tyfenhaler, chief executive officer of the National Geographic Society, said in a statement at the Catherine Awards that astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission received the award 50 years ago. We are honored to recognize the work of the mathematician who made these missions possible.
