We truly owe our childhood summers to him!

Dr. Lonnie Johnson — celebrated inventor, former Air Force officer, NASA engineer, and the mastermind behind one of the most iconic toys in history — has built a legacy that spans engineering, innovation, and educational empowerment. According to LonnieJohnson.com, he is the president and founder of Johnson Research and Development Co. and one of the most prolific contemporary inventors in America.

An accomplished HBCU graduate, Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s in Nuclear Engineering from the historic Tuskegee University, later receiving an honorary Ph.D. in Science from his alma mater. Tuskegee’s engineering programs are noted nationally for producing top Black scientists and innovators (Smithsonian Magazine).

Johnson began his career as a research engineer before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served as Acting Chief of the Space Nuclear Power Safety Section — a role requiring expertise in advanced propulsion and safety systems (Air Force Times). His talent eventually led him to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he contributed to multiple spacecraft system designs, including work supporting missions like Galileo and Cassini (NASA). Over his nearly ten years at NASA, Johnson received several achievement awards while also earning recognition from the armed services for his groundbreaking technical contributions.

But in 1989, Johnson’s career took a creative turn that would forever change popular culture. He launched his own company and unexpectedly entered the world of toy engineering — a move that would transform him into a household name. In an interview with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Johnson recounted the now-famous moment he stumbled onto his next big invention while working on a new, environmentally friendly heat pump for NASA.

“I was working on a new type of heat pump that would use water instead of freon,” Johnson explained. “I machined these nozzles and hooked them up to my bathroom sink. When I saw the powerful stream of water shoot across the room, I thought, ‘Jeez, it would be neat to have a really powerful toy water gun.’”

Though he had been inventing gadgets since childhood, this was the first creation he believed could be commercialized on a large scale. And he was right. Johnson licensed the invention — eventually named the Super Soaker — to the Larami Corporation. Within just two years of release, the toy generated more than $200 million in sales (TIME Magazine). It quickly became the top-selling toy in the United States, dominating the summer market and changing backyard fun forever.

When Larami was purchased by Hasbro, the world’s second-largest toy manufacturer, the Super Soaker only grew in reach and cultural impact. Today, the Super Soaker has generated close to $1 billion in revenue (BBC News), solidifying its status as one of the most beloved toys of all time. Nearly every American millennial or Gen Z kid has a vivid memory of a backyard water battle, thanks to Johnson’s ingenuity.

Johnson didn’t stop there. He holds more than 100 patents, with over 20 additional patents pending. His work includes innovations for the NERF gun line — another multi-million-dollar franchise — as well as major advances in high-efficiency energy systems (The New York Times). He has authored numerous publications on spacecraft power systems and currently runs multiple companies focused on energy technology, including advancements in battery and thermoelectric systems that have drawn interest from major research institutions (NPR).

Beyond his inventions, Johnson is deeply committed to education. He founded the Johnson STEM Activity Center in Atlanta, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing robotics teams and giving young students hands-on engineering experience. Some of these students have even qualified for global robotics competitions, demonstrating the center’s profound impact.

Although the world often celebrates him for the Super Soaker, Johnson emphasizes that engineering remains his first love.

“It’s interesting that the Super Soaker gets so much attention,” he once told reporters. “I really like to think of myself as a serious engineer. If I can make an impact… clearly it’s something I want to do.”

From spacecraft engineering to summer fun, Dr. Lonnie Johnson has shaped both American science and American childhood in remarkable ways. His contributions continue to inspire the next generation of inventors, dreamers, and creators.

Thank you, Dr. Johnson — summer simply wouldn’t be the same without you!