Challenges and Milestones in Space Exploration

The video discusses the challenges of space exploration and highlights Katherine Johnson's significant contributions to early space missions. Born in 1918, Johnson excelled in mathematics and overcame racial barriers to work at NACA, later NASA. She played a crucial role in calculating trajectories for missions like Freedom 7 and Apollo 11. Her work ensured precise landings and successful missions. Johnson retired in 1986, leaving a lasting legacy in space exploration.

What was a significant challenge in the early days of space exploration?

• Lack of interest in space missions

• Calculating mission paths by hand

• Insufficient funding for space programs

• Over-reliance on digital computers

Why did Katherine Johnson's family move to Institute, West Virginia?

• To be closer to relatives

• To escape racial discrimination

• To access high school education for African American students

• To find better job opportunities

What role did Katherine Johnson initially take on at NACA?

• Engineer

• Pilot

• Computer in skirts

• Astronaut

How did Katherine Johnson manage to attend researchers' meetings at NACA?

• She was the only available mathematician

• She was promoted to a higher position

• She pointed out there was no rule against her attendance

• She was invited by the head of the department

What was the primary goal of Alan Shepard's Freedom 7 mission?

• To reach space and return safely

• To test new spacecraft technology

• To orbit the Earth multiple times

• To land on the Moon

What was Katherine Johnson's task for John Glenn's orbital mission?

• Designing the spacecraft

• Confirming computer calculations

• Training the astronauts

• Monitoring the launch

What was a unique challenge of the Apollo 11 mission?

• Launching during a storm

• Landing on a moving target

• Returning to Earth safely

• Communicating with astronauts

What did NASA need to consider for Apollo 11's landing on the Moon?

• The Moon's atmosphere

• Avoiding cliffs and craters

• The Earth's rotation

• The Sun's position

When did Katherine Johnson retire from NASA?

• 1990

• 1969

• 1975

• 1986

What milestone birthday did Katherine Johnson celebrate in the transcript?

• 97th

• 100th

• 95th

• 90th