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Nasa mathematician and 'Hidden Figures' inspiration Katherine Johnson dies aged 101

Katherine Johnson has died at the age of 101. (Photo by NASA/Donaldson Collection/Getty Images)
Katherine Johnson has died at the age of 101. (Photo by NASA/Donaldson Collection/Getty Images)

Nasa mathematician Katherine Johnson, who was the inspiration for film Hidden Figures, has died at the age of 101.

She was part of the team who helped launch the first American orbit around the Earth, and her pioneering contributions to the field were represented in the 2016 film.

The space agency tweeted the news of her passing as it said in a message: "We're saddened by the passing of celebrated #HiddenFigures mathematician Katherine Johnson.

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"Today, we celebrate her 101 years of life and honour her legacy of excellence that broke down racial and social barriers."

Hidden Figures told the story of Johnson and other trailblazing African-American women whose maths skills played a key part in Nasa's space exploration work.

She was depicted by actor Taraji P. Henson in the picture, which also starred Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae as Johnson's fellow real-life colleagues Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson.

She appeared at the 2017 Oscars ceremony alongside the three cast members to present the Documentary prize at the 89th Academy Awards.

Janelle Monae, from left, Taraji P. Henson, and Octavia Spencer pose with Katherine Johnson, seated, backstage at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
Janelle Monae, from left, Taraji P. Henson, and Octavia Spencer pose with Katherine Johnson, seated, backstage at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)

Johnson, who was born in West Virginia in 1918, worked on astronaut Alan Shepard's journey into space as well as John Glenn's successful mission into orbit.

Nasa administrator Jim Bridenstine described Johnson as an "American hero" as he paid tribute to her on Twitter.

He wrote: "Our @NASA family is sad to learn the news that Katherine Johnson passed away this morning at 101 years old.

NASA space scientist, and mathematician Katherine Johnson poses for a portrait at her desk with an adding machine and a 'Celestial Training device' at NASA Langley Research Center in 1962 in Hampton, Virginia.  (Photo by NASA/Donaldson Collection/Getty Images)
NASA space scientist, and mathematician Katherine Johnson poses for a portrait at her desk with an adding machine and a 'Celestial Training device' at NASA Langley Research Center in 1962 in Hampton, Virginia. (Photo by NASA/Donaldson Collection/Getty Images)

“She was an American hero and her pioneering legacy will never be forgotten.”

"The @NASA family will never forget Katherine Johnson's courage and the milestones we could not have reached without her. Her story and her grace continue to inspire the world," he added.