Pioneering black NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson dies

In this Feb. 26, 2017, file photo, Katherine Johnson, the inspiration for the film,"Hidden Figures," poses in the press room at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. HAMPTON, VA. -- Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who calculated rocket trajectories and earth orbits for NASA's early space missions and was later portrayed in the 2016 hit film "Hidden Figures," about pioneering black female aerospace workers, has died. She was 101.

Johnson focused on airplanes and other research at first. But her work at NASA's Langley Research Center eventually shifted to Project Mercury, the nation's first human space program. "Get the girl to check the numbers," a computer-skeptical Glenn had insisted in the days before the launch. Johnson considered her work on the Apollo moon missions to be her greatest contribution to space exploration. Her calculations helped the lunar lander rendezvous with the orbiting command service module. She also worked on the Space Shuttle program before retiring in 1986.

In 2017, Johnson was brought on stage at the Academy Awards ceremony to thunderous applause. Jackson and Vaughan had died in 2005 and 2008 respectively. Johnson taught at black public schools before becoming one of three black students to integrate West Virginia's graduate schools in 1939.

We need more people like her

Am I the only one who is confused how her head and neck white and her hands are black?

Is it me or am I colorblind all of a sudden

What an incredible story. We are fortunate that she shared her excellence with a generation.

Both Brilliant and a Very Pretty Woman. Class Act and an inspiration to all women.

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