Iconic mathematician, Katherine Johnson, has passed away at the age of 101.
The celebrated scientist, who is remembered and acknowledged for her groundbreaking work in several critical NASA projects, at a time when racial segregation was the norm in America – has been a cultural icon and a hero for many.
Johnson’s passing was announced by the official handle of the space organization – where she served for nearly 4 decades, before retiring in the year 1986.
Much of the lot in the younger generation came to know of Katherine Johnson, through the inspiring real-to-reel flick – Hidden Figures, which starred Taraji P. Henson, but for several others of her time, she was an inspiring figure through and through.
Johnson was played on-screen by Henson in the 2016-released biographical drama, which also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
A year before, in 2015, she was also conferred with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then U.S. president Barack Obama.
Here is a tribute put together by NASA, counting down some of her biggest achievements: