Describe the role Katherine Johnson played in space exploration?

Katherine Johnson was a pioneering African American mathematician whose calculations were crucial to the success of early U.S. space missions. She worked for NASA, where her expertise in analytic geometry helped determine trajectory Windows for missions, including John Glenn's historic orbit around Earth in 1962. Johnson's work not only contributed to the safety and success of space exploration but also broke barriers for women and minorities in STEM fields. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations in the pursuit of science and equality.