Hidden Figures not only reveals the hidden humans in the mix with these missions, but their plight against backwards social mores that frustratingly held back humans that wanted to push humankind forward. Rarely does one think of the human power involved in these missions to leave Earth, especially in an era decades before personal computers and smartphones. When one thinks of NASA’s adventures into space, to the moon, and beyond, often high-tech gadgetry and awesome computing power come to mind. Other actors in the film include Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst and Jim Parsons, all who take on various roles in NASA’s early days. Octavia Spencer plays the role of early computer programmer Dorothy Vaughan who climbs responsibilities at Langley’s computing department even though the Virginia-based center was segregated. Janelle Monáe plays the role of Mary Jackson, who as an aerospace engineer, worked to analyze data from wind tunnel experiments at the Theoretical Aerodynamics Branch of the Subsonic-Transonic Aerodynamics Division at Langley. The award winning motion picture, Hidden Figures, was based on her life. P Henson plays the role of Katherine Johnson in “Hidden Figures.” Image: Weatherboy In the face of adversity and racial discrimination, she made incalculable contributions to America’s space program and pushed the frontier of human knowledge by her brilliance.” Vice President Mike Pence, who serves as Chair to the National Space Council, said, “today our nation lost a great American space pioneer, the original Hidden Figure, Katherine G. We will continue building on her legacy and work tirelessly to increase opportunities for everyone who has something to contribute toward the ongoing work of raising the bar of human potential.” Her dedication and skull as a mathematician helped put humans on the Moon and before that made it possible for our astronauts to take the first steps in space that we now follow on a journey to Mars…At NASA, we will never forget her courage and leadership and the milestones we could not have reached without her. Johnson helped our nation enlarge the frontiers of space even as she made huge strides that also opened doors for women and people of color in the universal human quest to explore space. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement, “NASA is deeply saddened by the loss of a leader from our pioneering days, and we send our deepest condolences to the family of Katherine Johnson. Katherine Johnson, a famous, ground-breaking African American mathematician that made significant impacts to the U.S. Katherine Johnson passed away today at age 101.
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