NASA's Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont, West Virginia. Credit: NASA

Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Portrait of Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson At Her Desk at NASA Langley Research Center

jsc2025e074947 (September 16, 2025) --- Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford

jsc2025e074950 (September 16, 2025) --- Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford

jsc2025e074949 (September 16, 2025) --- Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford

jsc2025e074951 (September 16, 2025) --- Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford

jsc2025e074948 (September 16, 2025) --- Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford

Katherine G.Johnson Equal Opportunity Award with Paul F. Holloway center Deputy Director.

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Portrait Katherine G. Johnson. Hall of Honor inductee 2017. Langley Research Center NACA and NASA Hall of Honor. In recognition of contributions to the development of methodologies for analysis of manned mission (from Mercury to Apollo) and satellite (Echo) trajectories, and dynamic control of large space structures.

jsc2025e076420 (09/22/2025) --- NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Sept. 22, 2025. Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025.

jsc2025e076367 (09/22/2025) --- NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Sept. 22, 2025. Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025.

jsc2025e076371 (09/22/2025) --- NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Sept. 22, 2025. Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025.

jsc2025e076368 (09/22/2025) --- NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Sept. 22, 2025. Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025.

jsc2025e076369 (09/22/2025) --- NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Sept. 22, 2025. Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025.

jsc2025e076370 (09/22/2025) --- NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Sept. 22, 2025. Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025.

Katherine Van Hooser, MSFC Chief Engineer, in her office, for Marshall Star “Take 5” series.

jsc2025e076274 (09/22/2025) --- NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Sept. 22, 2025. Katherine Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class. She reported for duty in September 2025. Photo Credit: NASA - Helen Arase Vargas

“I love working in STEM. There's something about working at NASA, where you see new possibilities and amazing things happen all the time. During my first job at NASA [I'll never forget], I was working in the newsroom and was sent a draft press release about the discovery of new exoplanets. I got so excited and thought, I can't believe that I'm one of the first people reading about this discovery, and then tomorrow at noon, it will be released to the public, and everyone will feel this. I felt like an explorer, like I had made this amazing discovery on my own, but really, I was just reviewing a press release. “I get to see that excitement on the faces of the next generation, kids of all ages, when they're able to connect something on their own, or they have this new revelation of the world because that's what the agency has brought to them. That palatable excitement reminds me of how excited I was, and it's this kind of beautiful life cycle because it reenergizes me and gets me excited as well. “NASA is so big on this own, and for kids to feel like they're a part of it, it symbolizes this connection to great exploration and new discoveries. It makes them feel just as important and gets them excited thinking about what they can contribute or about learning something new. I've seen just one spark of curiosity create a great burning love and fire for learning. “Some of the kids I've talked to [during STEM outreach] will tell me they like something, and then I see it's created a more meaningful connection in the neighborhood. They'll dress up as astronauts for Halloween, or when they see me, they'll high-five me and tell me something they learned in science class. It spurs them on to not just make the connection at NASA but make the connection within themselves that they could do this if they wanted to. Not only can they be a part of STEM, but they realize they can also have a variety of interests in their life.” – Katherine Brown, Public Affairs Offi

jsc2025e074862 (September 16, 2025) --- NASA astronaut candidate Katherine Spies poses for a portrait at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Spies was selected by NASA to join the 2025 astronaut candidate class and reported for duty in September 2025. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

Joylette Hylick, left, and Katherine Moore, daughters of Katherine Johnson, accept the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of Katherine Johnson from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) during a ceremony recognizing NASA’s Hidden Figures, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary W. Jackson in recognition of their service to the United States as well as a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of all the women who served as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA between the 1930s and 1970s. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and tour

Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and tour

The Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of Katherine Johnson in recognition of her service to the United States as a Mathematician is seen during a ceremony recognizing NASA’s Hidden Figures, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary W. Jackson in recognition of their service to the United States as well as a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of all the women who served as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA between the 1930s and 1970s. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Trainees Honored: Langley Researcher, March 6, 1970 page 6. Six staff members instructed the trainees in various subjects Horace Bellamy, Fred Eichenbrenner,Thomas Hall, Evelyn Myers, Eloise McGehee, and Katherine Johnson.

Trainees Honored: Langley Researcher, March 6, 1970 page 6. Six staff members instructed the trainees in various subjects Horace Bellamy, Fred Eichenbrenner,Thomas Hall, Evelyn Myers, Eloise McGehee, and Katherine Johnson.

Dr. Katherine Calvin listens to a harmful algal bloom presentation on June 17, 2024. NASA Glenn Research Center conducts aerial remote sensing of harmful algal blooms to warn water filtration plants to enact more stringent filtering when harmful blooms are present. Aerial remote sensing is advantageous to satellite remote sensing that is limited by factors of resolution, on demand performance, cloud cover, and upgrades to instrumentation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna)

Tour of the Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) Facility on June 17, 2024 at Glenn Research Center. Pictured in the photo is Tony Nerone, W. Allen Kilgore, Dr. Katherine Calvin, and Sameer Kulkarni. The Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) project is working with industry partners to develop small core engine technologies to enable fuel burn reductions, additional use of electric airplane systems through power extracted from the engine, and advance engine operability and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels.

jsc2024e006098 (1/18/2024) --- A NASA ARC researcher, Katherine Fisher with A. Platensis in a culture flask. Image courtesy of Katherine Fisher

Tour of the Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) Facility on June 17, 2024 at Glenn Research Center. Pictured in the photo is Sameer Kulkarni, Concha Reid, Tony Nerone, Tibor Kremic and Dr. Katherine Calvin, and W. Allen Kilgore. The Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) project is working with industry partners to develop small core engine technologies to enable fuel burn reductions, additional use of electric airplane systems through power extracted from the engine, and advance engine operability and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels.

Stability and Control Branch Photo: Names, rows front to back, people left to right: Row 1: 1. ?? Graduate Student (USAF) 2. Robert Dunning 3. Rhonda Harvey Poppen 4. Katherine G. Johnson 5. ?? Graduate Student (USAF) 6. Vladislav Klein Row 2: 1. Mario Smith 2. Jeff Williams 3. N. Sundararajan 4. Tony Fontana 5. John Young Row 3: 1. Lawrence Taylor 2. Jim Batterson 3. Suresh Joshi 4. Daniel P. Giesy Row 4: 1. Bill Suit 2. Albert A. Schy 3. Al Hamer 4. Ernest Armstrong 5. Claude Keckler Row 5: 1. Chris Brown 2. Robert Bullock 3. Ray Montgomery 4. Jim Williams 5. Sahajendra Singh 6. Graduate Student (Egypt) Names given by Daniel P. Giesy.

FDCD Stability and Control Branch Photo. Names, rows front to back, people left to right: Ground level: 1. Margery Hanna 2. Debra L. Livingston 3. Carolyn Grantham 4. Nell Moore 5. Katherine G. Johnson 6. Hewitt Phillips Step 1: 1. John Shaughnessy 2. John Young 3. Bill Martz 4. Charles T. Woolley Step 2: 1. Al Hamer 2. Marion Wise (?) 3. Suresh Joshi Step 3: 1. Willard W. Anderson 2. Albert A. Schy 3. Daniel P. Giesy Step 4: 1. Hugh Bergeron 2. Claude Keckler 3. Nelson Groom 4. Ralph Will Names Given by Danial Pl. Giesy.

Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and tour

jsc2024e006097 (1/3/2023) --- Three A. platensis cultures in fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) bags. Image courtesy of Katherine Fisher

jsc2024e006100 (12/29/2022) --- A. platensis spiral trichomes under a microscope. Image courtesy of Katherine Fisher

Seated from From Left: Katherine G Johnson, Lawrence W Brown, and J Norwood Evans, Employment Officer. Standing from Left: John J Cox, secretary; and Edward T Maher, chairman. Absent when picture was taken: Vernon S Courtney. Members are shown as they review the Center's Affirmative Action Program. The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Personnel Division and Center management officials and seeks to explore realistic approaches to accomplishment of the objectives of the Affirmative Action program.

Photograph taken November 8,1984. Student Symposium Meeting Left to right Vivian Merritt, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Mary Jackson, Manger, Federal Woman’s Program, guest speaker Mr. James Jennings, and Katherine Johnson, Flight Dynamics and Control Division. Jennings’ career has included management and analyst positions at the Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA Headquarters. He is known for his ability to work with people and get things done. Jennings is a member of numerous professional and community organizations. He has served as Chairman of the KSC Combined Federal Campaign and Savings Bond Drive. Jennings has received numerous awards during his NASA career including an Equal Employment Opportunity Award in 1975, an Exceptional Service Medal in 1988, the Equal Employment Opportunity Medal in 1989, and an Outstanding Leadership Medal in 1994. Jennings also received the Distinguished Service Award in 1989 and the President's Award in 1999 from the Space Coast Chapter of the Federally Employed Women. He was conferred the rank of Meritorious Executive in 1997, and received the 1999 Presidential Distinguished Rank Award.

TROPI-2; Preparation of experiment containers in EMCS (European Modular Cultivation System) Lab, N-236. Katherine Millar places the seeds in the Experiment Containers (ECs).

TROPI-2; Preparation of Experiment Containers in EMCS (European Modular Cultivation System) Lab, N-236 Katherine Millar places the seeds in the Experiment Containers (ECs)

FDCD Branch Stability and Control branch: Names, rows front to back, people left to right: Ground level: 1. ?? 2. Debra L. Livingston 3. Katherine G. Johnson 4. Robert Dunning Step 1: 1. Ellie Fillmore (?) 2. Al Hamer 3. Suresh Joshi Step 2: 1. John Young 2. Ernest Armstrong 3. Vladislav Klein 4. Charles T. Woolley Step 3: 1. Lawrence Taylor 2. Tony Fontana Step 4: 1. Bill Suit 2. Jane Carpenter 3. Daniel P. Giesy 4. Mario Smith Step 5: 1. Albert Schy 2. Ray Montgomery 3. Sahajendra Singh Top level: 1: Jim Batterson 2. Jim Williams 3. Claude Keckler 4. N. Sundararajan Behind all: John Shebalin Names given by Danial P. Giesy

jsc2024e006099 (1/18/2024) --- A NASA ARC Space Life Sciences Training Program (SLTP) Intern, Kristen Saban processing A. platensis for phycocyanin pigment extraction. Image courtesy of Katherine Fisher

Photograph taken November 8,1984. Student Symposium Meeting Left to right Vivian Merritt, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Mary Jackson, Manger, Federal Woman’s Program, guest speaker Mr. James Jennings, and Katherine Johnson, Flight Dynamics and Control Division. Jennings’ career has included management and analyst positions at the Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA Headquarters. He is known for his ability to work with people and get things done. Jennings is a member of numerous professional and community organizations. He has served as Chairman of the KSC Combined Federal Campaign and Savings Bond Drive. Jennings has received numerous awards during his NASA career including an Equal Employment Opportunity Award in 1975, an Exceptional Service Medal in 1988, the Equal Employment Opportunity Medal in 1989, and an Outstanding Leadership Medal in 1994. Jennings also received the Distinguished Service Award in 1989 and the President's Award in 1999 from the Space Coast Chapter of the Federally Employed Women. He was conferred the rank of Meritorious Executive in 1997, and received the 1999 Presidential Distinguished Rank Award.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" outside the Vehicle Assembly Building. From the left are Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film and Cabana. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Joylette Hylick, daughter of Katherine Johnson, speaks with a member of the media before a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony recognizing NASA’s Hidden Figures, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary W. Jackson in recognition of their service to the United States as well as a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of all the women who served as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA between the 1930s and 1970s. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film, Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," and Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson. The movie chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

A giant hand-made quilt in honor of space shuttle Columbia and her crew was turned over to the Columbia Preservation Room inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The quilt was made by Katherine Walsh, a lifelong NASA and space program fan originally from Kentucky.

Photograph taken November 8, 1984. Student Symposium Meeting Mary Jackson in background. Both Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson are women featured in the book Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly. Man facing camera with glasses is center director Dr. Donald Hearth.

In the Press Site auditorium at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the media participate in a news conference with key individuals from the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures." From the left are: Ted Melfi (partially visible), writer and director of “Hidden Figures”; Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan; Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film; Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson; Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures"; and Bill Barry, NASA's chief historian. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, right, provides a tour for cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures." In the background is Launch Pad 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The pad which was the location of the launch of John Glenn and three other astronauts who flew orbital missions during Project Mercury. With Cabana is Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, right, provides a tour for cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures." The group is near the blockhouse at Launch Pad 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The pad which was the location of the launch of John Glenn and three other astronauts who flew orbital missions during Project Mercury. To Cabana's right is Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

During a tour for cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures," Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana points to Launch Pads 39A and 39B from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building. From the left are Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan in the film, Cabana, Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson, and Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures." The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

In the blockhouse at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 14, cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" listen to a briefing on the pad which was the location of the launch of John Glenn and three other astronauts who flew orbital missions during Project Mercury. In the foreground, from the left, are Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan, Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film, Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson, and Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures." The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures," reads the inscription on a plaque honoring NASA astronaut John Glenn. It is located at the entrance to Launch Pad 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It was the location of the launch of Glenn and three other astronauts who flew orbital missions during Project Mercury. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

In the Press Site auditorium at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the media participate in a news conference with key individuals from the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures." From the left are: Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan; Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film; and Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From the left are Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film, Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson, and Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan. They are seated in front of the original consoles of the Mercury Mission Control room with the world map that was used to follow the path of capsules between tracking stations. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures," looks through a periscope in the blockhouse at Launch Pad 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The pad which was the location of the launch of John Glenn and three other astronauts who flew orbital missions during Project Mercury. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

In the Press Site auditorium at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the media participate in a news conference with key individuals from the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures." From the left are: Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures”; Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan; Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film; Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson; Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures"; and Bill Barry, NASA's chief historian. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan in the film, Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson, Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson, Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures,” center director Bob Cabana, and Janet Petro, deputy center director. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures,” Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan in the film, Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson, Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," and Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures," looks at a display in the blockhouse at Launch Pad 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The pad which was the location of the launch of John Glenn and three other astronauts who flew orbital missions during Project Mercury. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana provides a tour for cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures." From the left are Cabana, Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film, and Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan. The group is walking thought the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Women Scientists: Lucille Coltrane, Jean Clark Keating, Katherine Cullie Speegle, Doris 'Dot' Lee, Ruth Whitman, and Emily Stephens Mueller,Lucille Coltrane is at the far left. She was a computer and worked for Norm Crabill who provided positive identification. Lucille authored a NACA Research Memorandum, Investigation of Two Bluff Shapes in Axial Free Flight Over a Mach Number Range From 0.35 to 2.15 in 1958. Next to Lucille is Jean Clark Keating. Jean was identified by Mary Woerner who said that both Jean and her husband Jerry are now deceased. The third woman from the left is Katherine Cullie Speegle. Katherine co-authored two research papers: Preliminary Results From a Free-Flight Investigation of Boundary-Layer Transition and Heat Transfer on a Highly Polished 8-Inch-Diameter Hemisphere-Cylinder at Mach Numbers up to 3 and Reynolds Numbers Based on a Length of 1 Foot up to 17.7 x 10 to the 6th and Heat Transfer For Mach Numbers Up to 2.2 and Pressure Distributions for Mach Numbers Up to 4.7 From Flight Investigations of a Flat-Face Cone and a Hemisphere-Cone. Norm remembered the woman standing as Doris. Mary Alice identified her as Doris 'Dot' Lee, who worked with Katherine Speegle. Dot was married to a NASA engineer named John Lee. Next to Doris is Ruth Whitman. Norm remembered she and her husband owned a Howard DGA 15 at the airport in WEst Point. That prompted Mary Alice to remember her name and that her husband was Jim. The woman seated on the right is Emily Stephens Mueller. Norm remembers that Emily went to Houston as part of the Space Task Group, but retired back here on the peninsula. In 2008, Emily attended the NACA Reunion X11. She walked over to a table of books about the history of NACA, former NACA facilities and the organization's aviation pioneers and saw a book about women of flight from the Dryden Research Center and paused, then pointed somewhat in amazement. "That’s me," she said of a picture on the cover of her on the far left of a li

Women Scientists: Lucille Coltrane, Jean Clark Keating, Katherine Cullie Speegle, Doris 'Dot' Lee, Ruth Whitman, and Emily Stephens Mueller,Lucille Coltrane is at the far left. She was a computer and worked for Norm Crabill who provided positive identification. Lucille authored a NACA Research Memorandum, Investigation of Two Bluff Shapes in Axial Free Flight Over a Mach Number Range From 0.35 to 2.15 in 1958. Next to Lucille is Jean Clark Keating. Jean was identified by Mary Woerner who said that both Jean and her husband Jerry are now deceased. The third woman from the left is Katherine Cullie Speegle. Katherine co-authored two research papers: Preliminary Results From a Free-Flight Investigation of Boundary-Layer Transition and Heat Transfer on a Highly Polished 8-Inch-Diameter Hemisphere-Cylinder at Mach Numbers up to 3 and Reynolds Numbers Based on a Length of 1 Foot up to 17.7 x 10 to the 6th and Heat Transfer For Mach Numbers Up to 2.2 and Pressure Distributions for Mach Numbers Up to 4.7 From Flight Investigations of a Flat-Face Cone and a Hemisphere-Cone. Norm remembered the woman standing as Doris. Mary Alice identified her as Doris 'Dot' Lee, who worked with Katherine Speegle. Dot was married to a NASA engineer named John Lee. Next to Doris is Ruth Whitman. Norm remembered she and her husband owned a Howard DGA 15 at the airport in WEst Point. That prompted Mary Alice to remember her name and that her husband was Jim. The woman seated on the right is Emily Stephens Mueller. Norm remembers that Emily went to Houston as part of the Space Task Group, but retired back here on the peninsula. In 2008, Emily attended the NACA Reunion X11. She walked over to a table of books about the history of NACA, former NACA facilities and the organization's aviation pioneers and saw a book about women of flight from the Dryden Research Center and paused, then pointed somewhat in amazement. "That’s me," she said of a picture on the cover of her on the far left of a li

Women Scientists: Lucille Coltrane, Jean Clark Keating, Katherine Cullie Speegle, Doris "Dot" Lee, Ruth Whitman, and Emily Stephens Mueller,Lucille Coltrane is at the far left. She was a computer and worked for Norm Crabill who provided positive identification. Lucille authored a NACA Research Memorandum, Investigation of Two Bluff Shapes in Axial Free Flight Over a Mach Number Range From 0.35 to 2.15 in 1958. Next to Lucille is Jean Clark Keating. Jean was identified by Mary Woerner who said that both Jean and her husband Jerry are now deceased. The third woman from the left is Katherine Cullie Speegle. Katherine co-authored two research papers: Preliminary Results From a Free-Flight Investigation of Boundary-Layer Transition and Heat Transfer on a Highly Polished 8-Inch-Diameter Hemisphere-Cylinder at Mach Numbers up to 3 and Reynolds Numbers Based on a Length of 1 Foot up to 17.7 x 10 to the 6th and Heat Transfer For Mach Numbers Up to 2.2 and Pressure Distributions for Mach Numbers Up to 4.7 From Flight Investigations of a Flat-Face Cone and a Hemisphere-Cone. Norm remembered the woman standing as Doris. Mary Alice identified her as Doris 'Dot' Lee, who worked with Katherine Speegle. Dot was married to a NASA engineer named John Lee. Next to Doris is Ruth Whitman. Norm remembered she and her husband owned a Howard DGA 15 at the airport in WEst Point. That prompted Mary Alice to remember her name and that her husband was Jim. The woman seated on the right is Emily Stephens Mueller. Norm remembers that Emily went to Houston as part of the Space Task Group, but retired back here on the peninsula. In 2008, Emily attended the NACA Reunion X11. She walked over to a table of books about the history of NACA, former NACA facilities and the organization's aviation pioneers and saw a book about women of flight from the Dryden Research Center and paused, then pointed somewhat in amazement. "ThatÕs me," she said of a picture on the cover of her on the far left of a line of women. She was at Dryden from 1948-49.

Interns with Mentors

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine delivers remarks during the dedication ceremony for "Hidden Figures Way," Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The 300 block of E Street SW in front of the NASA Headquarters building was designated as "Hidden Figures Way" to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorthy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)4

A certificate and quilt square are on display that confirms the transfer of a giant hand-made quilt in honor of space shuttle Columbia and her crew from the Office of Procurement to the Columbia Preservation Room inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The quilt was made by Katherine Walsh, a lifelong NASA and space program fan originally from Kentucky. The quilt will be displayed in the preservation room with its certificate as part of NASA's Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program.

In the picture are F.F. Fullmer, aeronautical engineer, supervise a group of women who are helping operate the research equipment in the two-dimensional wind tunnel. Miss Elizabeth Patterson, left foreground, and Miss Katherine Thomason, right foreground obtains aerodynamic data, while Miss Lenore Woodland left background and Mrs. Blanche White help operate the tunnel. By Lee Dickinson 1943

A giant hand-made quilt in honor of space shuttle Columbia and her crew was turned over to the Columbia Preservation Room inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The quilt was made by Katherine Walsh, a lifelong NASA and space program fan originally from Kentucky. From left, behind the quilt are Janet Phillips, property custodian in Kennedy's Office of Procurement; Mike Ciannilli, Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program manager; and Kevin Panik, customer advocate in Spaceport Integration.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine delivers remarks during the dedication ceremony for "Hidden Figures Way," Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The 300 block of E Street SW in front of the NASA Headquarters building was designated as "Hidden Figures Way" to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson delivers remarks during the dedication ceremony for "Hidden Figures Way," Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The 300 block of E Street SW in front of the NASA Headquarters building was designated as "Hidden Figures Way" to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine delivers remarks during the dedication ceremony for "Hidden Figures Way," Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The 300 block of E Street SW in front of the NASA Headquarters building was designated as "Hidden Figures Way" to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, delivers remarks during the dedication ceremony for "Hidden Figures Way," Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The 300 block of E Street SW in front of the NASA Headquarters building was designated as "Hidden Figures Way" to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Mike Ciannilli, Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program manager, at right, accepts a certificate for turnover of a hand-made quilt in honor of space shuttle Columbia and her crew from Janet Phillips, property custodian in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Office of Procurement. Turnover of the quilt took place in the Columbia Preservation Room inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The quilt was made by Katherine Walsh, a lifelong NASA and space program fan originally from Kentucky.

Joylette Goble Hylick, daughter of Katherine Johnson, speaks to NASA astronaut Victor Glover at the conclusion of an event to commemorate Black Space Week (BSW) 2024 titled, "Beyond the Color Lines From Science Fiction to Science Fact," in the Oprah Winfrey Theater at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Monday, June 17, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA’s DC-8 operations engineer, Nickelle “Nicki” Reid, left, embraces Katherine Ball, chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate at California Institute of Technology, after the DC-8 aircraft and crew return to NASA Armstrong’s Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, following the aircraft’s final mission in support of the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ).

Margot Lee Shetterly, author of the book "Hidden Figures," delivers remarks during the dedication ceremony for "Hidden Figures Way," Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The 300 block of E Street SW in front of the NASA Headquarters building was designated as "Hidden Figures Way" to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Members of past science missions pose together in front of the DC-8 aircraft’s left engine turbine at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California. From left are avionics lead Kelly Jellison, chemical scientist Katherine Ball, DC-8 Deputy Program Manager Kirsten Boogaard, and DC-8 safety engineer Garry Moors. On May 2, 2024, NASA personnel, friends, and family celebrated the DC-8 staff, aircraft, and science campaigns.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson delivers remarks during the dedication ceremony for "Hidden Figures Way," Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The 300 block of E Street SW in front of the NASA Headquarters building was designated as "Hidden Figures Way" to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

A giant hand-made quilt in honor of space shuttle Columbia and her crew was turned over to the Columbia Preservation Room inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The quilt was made by Katherine Walsh, a lifelong NASA and space program fan originally from Kentucky. From left, behind the quilt are Janet Phillips, property custodian in Kennedy's Office of Procurement; and Mike Ciannilli, Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program manager

Margot Lee Shetterly, author of the book "Hidden Figures," delivers remarks during the dedication ceremony for "Hidden Figures Way," Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The 300 block of E Street SW in front of the NASA Headquarters building was designated as "Hidden Figures Way" to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, delivers remarks during the dedication ceremony for "Hidden Figures Way," Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The 300 block of E Street SW in front of the NASA Headquarters building was designated as "Hidden Figures Way" to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

A certificate is on display that confirms the transfer of a giant hand-made quilt in honor of space shuttle Columbia and her crew from the Office of Procurement to the Columbia Preservation Room inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The quilt was made by Katherine Walsh, a lifelong NASA and space program fan originally from Kentucky. The quilt will be displayed with its certificate in the preservation room as part of NASA's Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program.

Women Adequately Filling Posts In NACA Laboratory: In the picture are F.F. Fullmer, aeronautical engineer, supervise a group of women who are helping operate the research equipment in the two-dimensional wind tunnel. Miss Elizabeth Patterson, left foreground, and Miss Katherine Thomason, right foreground obtains aerodynamic data, while Miss Lenore Woodland left background and Mrs. Blanche White help operate the tunnel. By Lee Dickinson 1943

jsc2025e075922_alt (September 17, 2025) --- NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Sept. 22, 2025. The 10 candidates, pictured here at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston are: U.S. Air Force Maj. Adam Fuhrmann, U.S. Air Force Maj. Cameron Jones, U.S. Army CW3 Ben Bailey, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Erin Overcash, Katherine Spies, Anna Menon, Yuri Kubo, Dr. Lauren Edgar, Rebecca Lawler, and Dr. Imelda Muller. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

jsc2025e075905_alt (September 17, 2025) --- NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Sept. 22, 2025. The 10 candidates, pictured here at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston are: U.S. Army CW3 Ben Bailey, Anna Menon, Rebecca Lawler, Katherine Spies, U.S. Air Force Maj. Cameron Jones, Dr. Lauren Edgar, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Erin Overcash, Yuri Kubo, Dr. Imelda Muller, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Adam Fuhrmann. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

In the Press Site auditorium at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the media participate in a news conference with key individuals from the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures." From the left are: former CNN space correspondent John Zarrella, serving as moderator; Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures”; Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan; Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film; Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson; Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures"; and Bill Barry, NASA's chief historian. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

During a tour for cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures," Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana poses with the group on the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Among those participating are Kelvin Manning, associate center director; Meredith Lipsky, vice president of Field Marketing for 20th Century Fox; Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures;” Michelle Ryan, executive producer of the film; Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures;" Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan; Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film; Janet Petro, deputy center director; and Cabana. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

In the Press Site auditorium at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Taraji P. Henson speaks to members of the media during a news conference with other key individuals involved in the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures." The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson (played by Henson), Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," and Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson in the film. The movie chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

The Congressional Gold Medal for Dr. Christine Darden for her service to the United States as an aeronautical engineer is seen during a ceremony recognizing NASA’s Hidden Figures, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary W. Jackson in recognition of their service to the United States as well as a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of all the women who served as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA between the 1930s and 1970s. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), delivers remarks during a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony recognizing NASA’s Hidden Figures, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary W. Jackson in recognition of their service to the United States as well as a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of all the women who served as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA between the 1930s and 1970s. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)