Dr. Bernard Harris, a University of Houston alumnus and the first African American to walk in space, will be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 31.
“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 said. “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.”
Harris and former astronaut Peggy Whitson, who spent more time in space than any other woman, will join 109 other astronauts inducted into the Hall of Fame, which was established by the Mercury 7 astronauts as a place where the accomplishments of astronauts could be celebrated and showcased to the public.
Inductees are selected by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
“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,” said Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. “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, a Texas native who spent most of his later childhood years in Houston and San Antonio, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from UH in 1978 and went on to medical school. After completing his residency at the Mayo Clinic and a fellowship at NASA’s Ames Research Center, he joined NASA as a clinical scientist and flight surgeon. He was selected to the astronaut training program in 1990 and became an astronaut a year later.
“I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given, and I hope to continue empowering others to reach for the stars.” - Dr. Bernard Harris
In 1993, Harris flew his first mission, STS-55, on Space Shuttle Columbia, during which he conducted research and experiments in physical and life sciences. During his second mission, STS-63, on Space Shuttle Discovery in 1995, Harris became the first African American to walk in space. In total, Harris logged 437 hours in space and traveled over 7 million miles. And many of the health-related innovations he designed during his time at NASA are still in use on spacecraft today.
Since leaving NASA, Harris founded Vesalius Ventures to invest in new medical technologies and devices that are widely used, and he has focused on philanthropy through The Harris Foundation, a Houston-based nonprofit organization that empowers socially and economically disadvantaged students and their communities to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams.
“Space exploration has always been about pushing boundaries, inspiring future generations and proving that the impossible is achievable,” Harris said. “I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given, and I hope to continue empowering others to reach for the stars.”
