Katherine Johnson's Contributions and Achievements

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Who is Katherine Johnson?

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Katherine Johnson was an African American mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the first U.S. manned spaceflights.

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What is the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

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The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the national interests of the U.S.

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What does 'chronological order' mean?

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Chronological order is a way of organizing information according to the time sequence in which events occur.

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What does 'wary' mean?

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Wary means being cautious or careful about possible dangers or problems.

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What was Katherine Johnson's role at NACA?

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Katherine Johnson worked as a 'computer' at NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), performing complex calculations for flight missions.

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What is geometry?

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Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with shapes, sizes, and properties of space.

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What is the significance of John Glenn's orbital mission?

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John Glenn's orbital mission was significant as it was the first time an American astronaut orbited the Earth, demonstrating the capabilities of U.S. space technology.

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What does 'analyze' mean in the context of mathematics?

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To analyze in mathematics means to examine data or problems in detail to understand their structure and relationships.

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What is the importance of teamwork in space missions?

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Teamwork is crucial in space missions as it combines diverse skills and knowledge to solve complex problems and ensure mission success.

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What does 'NACA' stand for?

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NACA stands for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which was the predecessor to NASA.