NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson Dies At Age 101

Her calculations helped the first American orbit the Earth and inspired the film Hidden Figures.
LOADINGERROR LOADING

NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, whose calculations helped America’s first human spaceflight in 1961, has died at the age of 101, the space agency said on Monday.

Johnson was among a team of female Black mathematicians working for NASA in the 1960s that inspired the movie “Hidden Figures.”

“At NASA we will never forget her courage and leadership and the milestones we could not have reached without her,” NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement. “We will continue building on her legacy and work tirelessly to increase opportunities for everyone who has something to contribute toward the ongoing work of raising the bar of human potential.”

NASA space scientist and mathematician Katherine Johnson poses for a portrait at work at NASA Langley Research Center in 1966 in Hampton, Virginia.
NASA space scientist and mathematician Katherine Johnson poses for a portrait at work at NASA Langley Research Center in 1966 in Hampton, Virginia.
Donaldson Collection via Getty Images

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Close

What's Hot