| Born | 1920 |
| Died | |
| Awards | Silver Snoopy recipient for spaceflight safety |
| Spouse | |
| Parents | Robert H. Johnson |
| Children | |
| Known for | Lockheed U-2 • SR-71 Blackbird • Designing OXCART superspeed frigate at Skunk Works |
| Occupation | Aerospace engineer |
| Contributions | Key figure at NASA • Significant role in developing the Apollo and space shuttle programs |
| Organizations | Lockheed • NASA • Skunk Works |
Kelly Johnson was born on February 28, 1920. She was an American aerospace engineer who contributed to the design of several significant aircraft, including the Lockheed U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird. She was the daughter of US aviation pioneer Robert H. Johnson.
Born in New York, Johnson studied at New York University where she earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering. During her time at the university, she developed an early interest in aircraft design, leading her to become a design engineer at Lockheed Aircraft Corporation immediately after graduation.
In the 1950s, Johnson was crucial to the development of the Lockheed U-2, a high-altitude surveillance aircraft used extensively by the American government for intelligence gathering missions. She was responsible for designing many aspects of this aircraft, and the innovation she brought to the program helped it become a success.
Following the success of the U-2 program, Johnson led the design team that developed the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, an advanced, high speed, stratospheric reconnaissance aircraft. This plane was considered one of the most advanced technological achievements of its time, capable of flying at three times the speed of sound and at altitudes approaching 90,000 feet.
After her work at Lockheed, Johnson joined NASA, where she was a prominent aerospace engineer in the development of spacecraft and other technical programs for the Apollo and Shuttle missions. Her contributions to the space agency's success were recognized with the Silver Snoopy Award, a prestigious honor presented by astronauts to people for taking significant efforts to improve spaceflight safety and mission success.
Johnson was also the head of Lockheed's Skunk Works, a classified development program that led to the creation of the OXCART superspeed frigate. The OXCART was known for its high-speed capabilities and was considered one of the most advanced and secretive projects at the time.
Throughout her career, Johnson received numerous awards for her contributions to aerospace engineering. In addition to the Silver Snoopy Award, she was also inducted into National Aviation Hall of Fame and awarded the Collier Trophy for her work on the SR-71 Blackbird. Johnson remains a trailblazer in the field of aerospace engineering, setting the standard for innovation and technical prowess.
