This biography details the life and monumental achievements of Katherine Johnson, a pioneering mathematician whose calculations were vital to early U.S. space exploration. The text tracks her journey from a child prodigy in West Virginia to a "human computer" at NASA, where she determined trajectories for historic missions like Project Mercury and the Apollo 11 moon landing. It highlights her resilience in overcoming racial and gender barriers during an era of systemic segregation to become a celebrated scientist. Beyond her technical work, the source describes her extensive legacy, including honors like the Presidential Medal of Freedom and her portrayal in the film Hidden Figures. Finally, the entry documents the numerous institutions and awards named in her memory to inspire future generations in STEM.