Kathrine Johnson Orbits Pin

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Katherine Johnson was a mathematician who calculated the flight paths for many missions during her more than three decades with NASA. This pin is based on a chart Johnson created e xplaining how to determine where an orbiting spacecraft would land so that astronauts could be recovered. When NASA began using electronic computers to calculate flight paths, astronauts were concerned about relying on these new machines. John Glenn (the first American to orbit the earth) refused to fly his mission until Johnson had verified the calculations herself. “If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go.” In the 2016 film Hidden Figures, Johnson was portrayed by Taraji P. Henson. This enamel pin comes with a fold-out card with Johnson's life story. This pin has two clasps to keep it in place. Show more