The Space Foundation commented today on the passing of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. Her contributions to the U.S. space program were chronicled in the 2016 film Hidden Figures and paved the way for other women and African Americans to play important roles in space exploration.
“Katherine Johnson’s legacy is many things, but most of all it is about pioneering opportunities for people who seek them,” said Shelli Brunswick, Space Foundation Chief Operating Officer. “Her courage, class, and grace not only helped open the frontiers of early space flight, but showed us all how there is a place for every one of us in the space economy. On behalf of the entire Space Foundation team we extend our sympathies to her family and friends on her passing.”
About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the world’s premier organization to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community. It is a leader in space awareness activities, educational programs, and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium. Space Foundation headquarters is in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, and has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere®, and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. The Space Foundation has a Washington, D.C., office, as well as field representatives in Houston and on the Florida Space Coast. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space Certification™ and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit both websites — www.SpaceFoundation.org and DiscoverSpace.org — and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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Space Foundation contact:
Carol Hively, Director – Public Relations & Team Communications
media@spacefoundation.org