In our world, there are millions of people whose stories are never told. That’s millions of bright minds that are never discovered and millions of hours of work lost in time. There are heroes all around us, many of whom will never be discovered. This was almost the case for one the brightest minds ever to work at NASA, however, through the book “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly, her story was finally brought into the light.

Katherine Johnson was a hero whose story inspired millions of young girls all around the world to achieve the impossible. Her strong willed and courageous nature mixed with her sense of humor could coax out a smile from anyone. Johnson was well loved and well recognized at NASA. However, to get there, she had to sacrifice almost everything.

Johnson was a woman who was way ahead of her time and could do calculations at the speed of light. This skill proved extremely useful during the Friendship 7 mission where she successfully calculated the trajectory for America’s first human spaceflight. This mission was also the first time that a women received credit for writing a report. This act alone was enough to prove that Johnson knew what she wanted and would stop at nothing until she received it. Johnson worked tirelessly to shatter norms that led women to receive little rights. She ensured that she was given the recognition her work deserved no matter what society believed.

When asked about her greatest contribution, Johnson cited the historical Moon landing. Without her calculations, the Apollo mission would never have made history. Through her math, she ensured that the Lunar Module was carefully synched with the Command and Service module. This was no easy feat and required heaps of intricate calculations. One wrong number and the mission would end in a disaster. Johnson completed these calculations all by hand in a record time with no mistake. Enabled by her work, the mission was a stunning success.

All throughout her life, Johnson was never afraid to speak for what she believed in. She was ready to go head first against the world in order to prove her point. On February 24, 2020, the world lost a hero. However, her determined personality and inspiring legacy will continue to live on in our hearts till the end of time.

Resources:
NASA, SPACE.COM