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Dr. Bernard Harris, a University of Houston alumnus and the first African American to walk in space, is set to be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on May 31 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
"Being inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor, made even more special by the fact that it comes from my peers," Harris remarked. "This recognition isn’t just about my accomplishments. It is also a testament to the teamwork and dedication of everyone who shared this amazing journey with me along the way."
Joining Harris in this honor is former astronaut Peggy Whitson, noted for spending more time in space than any other woman. Both will join 109 other astronauts already celebrated in the Hall of Fame, which was established by Mercury 7 astronauts to highlight and showcase astronaut achievements to the public.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation selects inductees into this prestigious group. Curt Brown, board chairman of the foundation, stated: "The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame welcomes two exceptional and trailblazing veterans of the space program who contributed significantly to NASA’s mission and program. 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 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex."
Harris hails from Texas and spent his later childhood years in Houston and San Antonio. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology from UH in 1978 before attending medical school. After completing his residency at Mayo Clinic and a fellowship at NASA's Ames Research Center, he joined NASA as a clinical scientist and flight surgeon, entering astronaut training in 1990.
"I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given, and I hope to continue empowering others to reach for the stars," expressed Dr. Bernard Harris.
In his career as an astronaut, Harris flew his first mission STS-55 on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1993 where he conducted research experiments related to physical and life sciences. His second mission STS-63 on Space Shuttle Discovery marked his historic spacewalk as he became the first African American astronaut to do so in 1995.
Since retiring from NASA, Dr. Harris founded Vesalius Ventures focusing on investments within new medical technologies widely utilized today while engaging philanthropically through The Harris Foundation based out of Houston aimed towards empowering socially disadvantaged students within communities toward achieving their dreams.
"Space exploration has always been about pushing boundaries, inspiring future generations and proving that impossible is achievable," said Harris reflecting upon continued efforts beyond reaching stars themselves.