Black Astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris Jr. Inducted into Hall of Fame
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Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., a pioneering Black astronaut, is set to be inducted into NASA’s prestigious Astronaut Hall of Fame on Friday, May 31. Making history in 1995 as the first Black astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, Harris has long been an inspiration and a trailblazer in the field of space exploration. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Harris expressed his hopes for space to bring people together, emphasizing the unity and potential that space exploration holds.
Growing up in Texas during NASA’s development phase, Harris was captivated by science and space exploration from a young age. Witnessing the historic moon landing further fuelled his aspirations to become an astronaut. He shared, “I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to follow the footsteps of these great men, human beings, that had done something for the very first time in human history.”
Before embarking on his stellar career, Harris pursued higher education at the University of Houston and decided to become a doctor with the vision of practising medicine both on Earth and in space. After completing his residency and a fellowship, where he focused on addressing critical health challenges such as bone loss in space, Harris successfully applied to NASA’s astronaut program in 1990.
His journey to the stars began with his first mission in 1993 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia, where he conducted groundbreaking medical experiments. Harris’s second historic mission in 1995 on Space Shuttle Discovery saw him accomplish the remarkable feat of completing a spacewalk, cementing his legacy in space exploration history.
Reflecting on his experiences, Harris spoke of his pride in laying the groundwork for future space missions and advancements. He expressed joy in witnessing younger astronauts taking the lead and embracing longer stays in space, noting the evolution of technologies and practices developed during his tenure that are still integral to space missions today.
Beyond his contributions as an astronaut, Harris has dedicated himself to philanthropy and entrepreneurship, further propelling innovation in science, technology, and space exploration. Through his non-profit initiatives supporting youth education and crime prevention programs, Harris continues to inspire and uplift future generations.
Looking ahead to the future of space exploration, Harris remains optimistic about the prospects of space tourism and Mars missions, envisioning a future where space becomes a unifying force for humanity. From his unique vantage point in space, he gained a profound perspective on Earth’s unity, transcending the divisions that divide us. Harris believes that space exploration offers an opportunity for humanity to come together and forge a collective destiny beyond the confines of our planet.
Dr. Bernard Harris Jr.’s remarkable journey from aspiring astronaut to pioneering space explorer serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. As he is honoured with induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Harris’s legacy continues to inspire unity, progress, and boundless exploration in the vast cosmos.