Katherine Johnson: NASA's Hidden Figure and Math Genius

Catherine Johnson was a pioneering African American mathematician whose work at NASA was crucial to the success of U.S. space missions. Born in 1918, she excelled in mathematics from a young age, graduating from college at 18. Despite facing racial and gender barriers, she made significant contributions to NASA's space programs, including calculating trajectories for key missions. Her work was so trusted that astronaut John Glenn requested her verification of computer calculations before his flight. Johnson received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and her story was featured in the film 'Hidden Figures'. She passed away in 2020, leaving a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in science and mathematics.

What was Katherine Johnson's field of expertise during her education?

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Biology

• Chemistry

What significant challenge did Katherine Johnson face at NASA due to her race and gender?

• Inability to attend meetings

• Limited access to computers

• Segregated facilities and dining areas

• Lack of access to research materials

Which space mission's trajectory did Katherine Johnson calculate, making a significant impact on NASA's success?

• Mercury-Redstone 3

• Gemini 4

• Apollo 11

• Skylab 2

Who specifically requested Katherine Johnson to verify the calculations for his space mission?

• Yuri Gagarin

• Buzz Aldrin

• Neil Armstrong

• John Glenn

In which year did Katherine Johnson receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

• 2020

• 2015

• 2010

• 2018

Which film portrayed Katherine Johnson's contributions to NASA?

• The Right Stuff

• Apollo 13

• Hidden Figures

• First Man

What facility was renamed in honor of Katherine Johnson by NASA?

• Johnson Space Center

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory

• Langley Research Center

• Independent Verification and Validation Facility