NASA's Human Computers

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson's remarkable contributions to NASA's early space missions highlight the critical role of human computers. She was instrumental in calculating the trajectory for Alan Shepard's first American spaceflight and was personally requested by John Glenn to verify electronic calculations for his orbit around Earth. Johnson's expertise was so trusted that she became the first woman at NASA to receive authorship credit for a report, showcasing her pivotal role in the space program 1.

She quickly developed a reputation for being one of the top computers at NASA.

--- Gary Arndt

Her work exemplifies the indispensable contributions of women in the field of space exploration.

   

Sue Finley

Sue Finley's career at NASA spans from her beginnings as a human computer to her current role as an engineer on the Deep Space Network. Starting at JPL in 1958, she played a crucial role in verifying orbital trajectories for the Apollo missions, including the emergency calculations for Apollo 13's return 2.

Today she's an engineer on NASA's Deep Space network, which is the system that communicates with interplanetary spacecraft.

--- Gary Arndt

Finley's enduring presence at NASA underscores the lasting impact of human computers on the agency's success.