Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) was a pioneering African American mathematician whose work at NASA was critical to the success of the U.S. space program. Known for her precise calculations of flight trajectories, she played a key role in the success of John Glenn’s orbital flight and the Apollo 11 moon landing. Johnson’s work helped break down barriers for women and African Americans in STEM fields, and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Her story, including her contributions to space exploration, was widely recognized after the release of the 2016 film Hidden Figures, which highlighted her achievements.

Katherine Johnson worked on sending Apollo to the moon in 1969. Johnson made huge progress for African Americans in mathematics and science, but she continued to stay humble. In an interview with NASA, Johnson once said, “I don’t have a feeling of inferiority. Never had. I’m as good as anybody, but no better.”