Space station launch honors 'Hidden Figures' mathematician

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By MARCIA DUNN

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A space station supply ship named after the Black NASA mathematician featured in the movie “Hidden Figures” rocketed into orbit Saturday, the 59th anniversary of John Glenn’s historic launch.

Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus capsule — dubbed the S.S. Katherine Johnson — should reach the International Space Station on Monday following its launch from Virginia’s eastern shore.

Johnson died almost exactly a year ago at age 101.

“Mrs. Johnson was selected for her hand-written calculations that helped launch the first Americans into space, as well as her accomplishments in breaking glass ceiling after glass ceiling as a Black woman,” Frank DeMauro, a Northrop Grumman vice president, said on the eve of liftoff. “A homework assignment for all of you is to go watch that movie after the Cygnus launch.”



A goose is startled as Northup Grumman's Antares rocket lifts off the launch pad at NASA's Wallops Island flight facility in Wallops Island, Va., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. The rocket is delivering cargo to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/mathematics-katherine-johnson-john-glenn-dc3804f5e471b260119180e81cd035d0

[MarineCombatEngineer]

1. Great movie and great choice for the name of the rocket. nt.

[QED]

3. Agree on the name - the book had even more info.

The movie held pretty close to the book but the book had more on the different people.

Both are wonderful - I watch the movie every time it's on.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

7. I carry the movie in my truck and watch it at least once a month,

I didn't know about the book, I just ordered it off of Amazon, can't hardly wait to read it.

[QED]

9. I hope you enjoy it!

I did - and then I couldn't wait for the movie to come out. The movie did not disappoint!

[Maxheader]

2. I think Obama ...

Had a lot to do spreading space programs out among American private industry...At

first I wasn't sure of how smart that move was...from my little knot hole anyway.....

[forgotmylogin]

4. What a great picture, btw!

Wheat, a water tower, a goose, and a rocket all reaching to the sky simultaneously.

[flying_wahini]

5. I got all verklempt reading this out loud to my husband...

So touching that she finally is getting the recognition she Earned.

[Greybnk48]

6. Coincidentally, we watched "Hidden Figures" for the 3rd or 4th time

(we aren't sure) just last night to celebrate the Mars landing! We also watched "The Martian" for the second time before it. They were running them back to back.

I could turn around and watch "Hidden Figures" again today and not be bored. I was 13 when all that stuff happened, and it's exciting to watch. Not one knew about the women, though. And yes, the movie is just that good.

[llashram]

8. better late than never

right?