Table of ContentsIntroductionCorps Paragraph 1: Johnson's Contributions to NASA's Space ProgramCorps Paragraph 2: Johnson's Influence on Women in STEMCounterarguments: Responding to reviews of Johnson's impactConclusionIntroductionKatherine Johnson, a central figure in NASA's early space missions, left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration and gender equality in the scientific community. This essay will examine Johnson's pioneering role in breaking down gender barriers within NASA, focusing on her contributions to the space program and her influence on women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBody Paragraph 1: Johnson's Contributions to the NASA Space ProgramBorn in 1918 in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, Katherine Johnson demonstrated exceptional mathematical abilities from a young age. age (Shetterly, 2016). Her talent led her to work at NASA's Langley Research Center, where she first faced gender discrimination. Despite these challenges, Johnson's mathematical prowess and determination allowed him to become an integral part of NASA's space program. One of Johnson's most important contributions was his work on the calculations for astronaut John Glenn's historic orbital flight in 1962 (NASA, 2020). His meticulous and precise calculations, which took into account various factors such as gravitational attraction and atmospheric drag, played a crucial role in the success of the mission. Johnson's calculations also contributed to the safe return of the Apollo 11 astronauts from the Moon in 1969 (Shetterly, 2016).Body Paragraph 2: Johnson's Influence on Women in STEM FieldsJohnson's Groundbreaking Work at NASA not only advanced space exploration, but also paved the way for women. in STEM fields. In a male-dominated environment, Johnson's success demonstrated that women were also capable of excelling in technical roles. Her achievements have inspired future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM. According to a study by the Pew Research Center (2018), women remain underrepresented in STEM professions, making up only 25% of the workforce. However, Johnson's legacy has contributed to ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in these areas. For example, the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility, a NASA facility named in her honor, supports research in computer science and engineering, encouraging more women to engage in these disciplines (NASA, 2017). While her achievements are widely celebrated, some critics say her influence on gender equality within NASA and in STEM fields has been overstated. They argue that Johnson's story is one of individual success rather than a catalyst for systemic change. However, it is essential to recognize the historical context in which Johnson achieved his success. During the 1950s and 1960s, racial and gender discrimination were pervasive in American society, making Johnson's accomplishments all the more remarkable (Shetterly, 2016). Additionally, the visibility of Johnson's story, popularized by the book and film "Hidden Figures," has undeniably inspired many women to pursue careers in STEM. The film's release coincided with increased interest from.