Dr. Bernard Harris, The First Black Man To Walk in Space, to be Inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame
Dr. Bernard Harris, a pioneer in space exploration and a champion for STEM education, has achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious career. On May 31, 2023, Dr. Harris will be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, FL. This recognition cements his legacy as a trailblazer who broke barriers and inspired countless individuals to dream beyond the stars.
A native of Temple, Texas, Dr. Harris’s journey to the stars began with a strong foundation in education. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Houston in 1978, he pursued medical studies at Texas Tech University, followed by a residency at the Mayo Clinic and a fellowship at NASA’s Ames Research Center. His time at NASA, spanning two decades from 1990 to 2010, saw him rise to prominence as both a clinical scientist and astronaut.
In 1995, during the historic STS-63 mission, Dr. Harris made history as the first African American to walk in space. Over the course of his career, he logged 18 days in orbit and traveled over seven million miles. Reflecting on his achievements, Dr. Harris remarked, “Space exploration has always been about pushing boundaries, inspiring future generations, and proving that the impossible is achievable.”
Dr. Harris will be inducted alongside Peggy Whitson, another luminary in the field of human spaceflight. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s board chairman, Curt Brown, praised both inductees: “Harris and Whitson continue to serve as exemplary role models in their post-NASA careers. What a tremendous honor to induct them into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.”
Beyond his accomplishments in space, Dr. Harris has dedicated himself to empowering underserved communities. As CEO of National Math and Science Initiative from 2018 to 2023, he worked to inspire students in STEM disciplines. Additionally, through his Houston-based foundation, he has championed education, health, and wellness initiatives for socially and economically disadvantaged communities. In 2022, he founded Vesalius Ventures, an investment firm focused on advancing medical technologies and devices.
Dr. Harris’s induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring impact on space exploration and his unwavering commitment to making a difference on Earth. His story serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and vision, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
