The Northrop Grumman NG-15 Cygnus spacecraft, named after former NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, launched on February 20. It is the company’s tradition to name each Cygnus spacecraft after an individual who has played a pivotal role in human spaceflight.

Johnson's work at NASA quite literally launched Americans into space, and her legacy continues to inspire women every day. She passed away on Feb. 24, 2020, at the age of 101.

Johnson is most well-known for her work behind John Glenn’s orbital mission around the Earth. Glenn specifically requested that Johnson run the computer’s calculations by hand to proofread its work, saying “if she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go.”

Northrop Grumman continues to celebrate her life. “S.S. Katherine Johnson” ready for liftoff aboard Antares rocket carrying vital supplies and equipment for the crew aboard the station

Over the last 25 years, hundreds of Northrop Grumman employees have been recognized with Women of Color STEM awards. Two Northrop women have won the top Technologist of the Year Award.

Camille D'Annunzio, the manager of the Automated Sensor Exploitation Technology Center in Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector, was named the Technologist of the Year at the 2013 Women of Color STEM Conference.

Among her many achievements at Northrop Grumman, she has contributed to advancements in chemical/biological threat situational awareness, force protection, and target recognition.

Chineta Davis, former vice president and general manager of Operations at Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector, was named Technologist of the Year in 2007.

Since 1996, awards presented at the Women of Color STEM Conference honor innovators who demonstrate excellence in STEM, leadership in their workplaces and communities, and commitment to recruiting and retaining minorities in the nation's science and technology enterprises.

Nominate a woman you know for a 2021 Women of Color STEM Award. Click here and nominate now.