Katherine Johnson

West Virginia University

Mathematics

1937

orbital mechanics, aerospace engineering

Orbital Dynamics, Astrodynamics, Numerical Methods in Physics, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Spacecraft Dynamics and Control, Advanced Laboratory Techniques

Website https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Johnson

level K12 , UGLD

Scientist Biography

Headshot of Katherine Johnson

Biographical information

Katherine Johnson was an American mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the first U.S. manned spaceflights. During her 35-year career at NASA and its predecessor, she earned a reputation for mastering complex manual calculations and helped pioneer the use of computers to perform tasks.

Relevant Concepts

Trajectory Analysis, Spacecraft Navigation

Research Areas:

orbital mechanics, aerospace engineering

Relevant Courses:

Orbital Dynamics, Astrodynamics, Numerical Methods in Physics, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Spacecraft Dynamics and Control, Advanced Laboratory Techniques

Key Contributions

Developed new mathematical techniques for use in space travel.

Calculated the trajectories for Project Mercury and the Apollo 11 flight to the Moon.

Citations

  1. [1] https://doi.org/10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.1302346