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Katherine G. Johnson Computational Facility Opens at NASA Langley Research Center
NASA Legend Katherine Johnson with Dr. Yvonne Cagle (photo by Megan Shinn via 11alive.com)
via 11alive.com
HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) — An American treasure is being honored in Hampton. A new facility at the NASA Langley Research Center is named after Katherine Johnson. She’s the woman featured in the movie “Hidden Figures” for her inspiring work at NASA Langley. People knew the mathematician as a “human computer” who calculated America’s first space flights in the 1960s. “I liked what I was doing, I liked work,” said Katherine.
The 99-year-old worked for NASA at a time when it was extremely difficult for African-Americans — especially women — to get jobs in the science field. “My problem was to answer questions, and I did that to the best of my ability at all time,” said Katherine. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. She said, “I was excited for something new. Always liked something new.” U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck, and “Hidden Figures” author Margot Lee Shetterly were among the dignitaries who were on hand to honor Johnson.
Governor McAuliffe said, “Thank goodness for the movie and the book that actually came out and people got to understand what this woman meant to our county. I mean she really broke down the barriers.” The Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility (CRF) is a $23 million, 37,000-square-foot energy efficient structure that consolidates five Langley data centers and more than 30 server rooms. One NASA astronaut, Doctor Yvonne Cagle, said Katherine is the reason she is an astronaut today. “This is remarkable, I mean it really shows that when you make substantive contributions like this, that resonate both on and off the planet. There’s no time like the present.” Doctor Cagle said she’s excited the new building is named after Katherine. “Thank you all, thank everyone for recognizing and bringing to light this beautiful hidden figure,” said Cagle.
The facility will enhance NASA’s efforts in modeling and simulation, big data, and analysis. Much of the work now done by wind tunnels eventually will be performed by computers like those at the CRF. NASA Deputy Director of Center Operations, Erik Weiser said, this new facility will help them with their anticipated Mars landing in 2020.
Source: NASA legend Katherine Johnson honored in Hampton | 11alive.com
KATHERINE JOHNSON YOU ROCK!
I invite you to share a link to your story of an inspiring woman.
Bernadette, I always look forward to Friday mornings when I can sit back and savour your Friday Feminist posts! Today’s was no exception and a real treat as I read about the amazing skill of Katherine and her amazing work at NASA as well as breaking so many barriers of her own a the time! Inspiring! I’ve made a note of the film and hope to get to see it soon! Wishing you a lovely weekend. 😀❤️
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Annika, thanks for your kinds words and I know you will enjoy this movie.
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We have a wonderful little independent cinema a few steps from where I live in Grenoble. The first film I saw there when we moved into the City in January was ‘les figures des ombres’ which is Hidden Figures but dubbed into French. My husband had come in very excited one day and said he had seen all these posters for a film that looked interesting. I knew about it and relished the idea of seeing it in French. The queue was round the block and it heartened me. Katherine should be honoured and honoured and honoured the world over for the work she did, the barriers she razed and just being the definition of inspiring. Thank you. You rock and you are right so does she!
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Oh, your comment made me so happy. It pleases me to no end to know that people wrapped around the block to see this movie. Viva la France!
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The French know a lot about struggle and strife and they know a lot about honour in minorities. I am hopeful that they are never going to lose the notion that however they are born they must bolster up the little guy and give him the space to thrive.
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I saw news about her on Twitter and thought once again, why has it taken so long for a woman to be noticed for the pioneering work she did all those years ago. We are waiting far too long to acknowledge women who may not be with us long enough to experience their delayed honour. Thankmyou Bernadette as always for showcasing these inspiring women.
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That is exactly why I was so excited – she lived long enough to see the honor. You are right, not many women get honored in their lifetime.
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Such a great movie about an amazing group of American women…so glad this one had so much recognition. And she has aged so well…beautiful in so many ways.
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An amazing and impressive woman. She deserves to be honored over and over again.
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I must admit I am way behind on the movie scene at the moment but I think Hidden Figures is a must see. Thank you for highlighting yet another awesome woman. 🌼
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It’s a definite must-see movie for women of all colors. Personal recognition may never come for the progress we make as women in the workplace – often, our male manager/supervisor gets the credit – but it does matter for the generations of women coming up in the rear.
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I worked in an environment where there was a glass ceiling for women. I left and found a new career that had none. That was 30 years ago and I have never regretted it. 🌼
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Bernadette, I also recently watched the movie. It bursts with inspiration and the black woman’s struggle for recognition. Each of the three women highlighted was a heroine in taking all women forward in a male-dominated field. Being black made the hurdle even higher.
Thanks for sharing the link to “Good Black News.” There are hundreds of “hidden figures” – of all colors and creeds – among us who continue to make great strides for humanity.
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It is always my pleasure to highlight women of any race or creed and I was delighted to stumble upon that web sight. It is so positive.
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Another fantastic Feminist Friday shout-out, Bernadette! 🙂 Sharing… xo
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An amazing woman! So pleased she is being recognized for all she has done.
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So inspiring. Thank you for sharing this. What a woman!
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Wow amazing!!! Thanks for telling about this amazing woman
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This is wonderful Bernadette, I’m going to watch the movie, I was not familuar with her work.🍁
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Let me know how you like the movie.
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will do!
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I was blown away by the movie and Katherine Johnson’s story. The GOOD news is that our society is finally recognizing her and her amazing work. Let’s hope more talented women will be spotlighted as they work, not decades later.
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