NASA Administrator Statement on Passing of Katherine Johnson

The following is a statement from Administrator Jim Bridenstine on the passing of NASA legend Katherine Johnson, who worked for the agency from 1953 to 1986.

“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. Ms. 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. Her
dedication and skill 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. Her Presidential
Medal of Freedom was a well-deserved recognition.

“At NASA we will never forget her courage and leadership and the
milestones we could not have reached without her. 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.”