On February 9, 1995, Bernard A. Harris, Jr. achieved a significant milestone in space history by becoming the first African American to perform an extra-vehicular activity. This spacewalk occurred during his second mission as a payload commander on the Space Shuttle, marking a transition in his career from scientific research to operational exploration within the NASA program.
Early Development and Academic Path
Born on June 26, 1956, in Temple, Texas, Harris grew interested in space exploration during his youth, notably after watching the 1969 Apollo 11 mission. He attended Sam Houston High School in San Antonio, graduating in 1974. His formal education included a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Houston in 1978 and a medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 1982. He subsequently completed an internal medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic by 1985.
NASA Research and Spaceflight
Following a National Research Council Fellowship at NASA Ames Research Center in 1987, where he studied musculature physiology, Harris joined the Johnson Space Center as a flight surgeon. Selected as an astronaut in 1990, he became mission specialist on STS-55 in 1993, spending ten days aboard the Shuttle Columbia. He later commanded the payload on STS-63 in 1995, a mission that included the first rendezvous with the Russian space station Mir.
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After leaving NASA in 1996, Harris transitioned into corporate and non-profit leadership. He served as an executive at SPACEHAB, Inc. and Space Media, Inc. In 1998, he founded The Harris Foundation in Houston to support educational initiatives. His career continued to span medical informatics and venture capital through his role at Vesalius Ventures, Inc. Furthermore, he served as president of the American Telemedicine Association between 2011 and 2012, and currently operates as the CEO of the National Math and Science Initiative.
Recognition and Institutional Service
Harris has received multiple honorary doctorates from institutions including Morehouse College School of Medicine, the University of Houston, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His awards include the NASA Space Flight Medal and the Horatio Alger Award. In 2006, the North East Independent School District in San Antonio opened the Bernard Harris Middle School in his honor. He was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 June 1956, Temple, Texas
- Education: University of Houston, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Space Shuttle Missions: STS-55, STS-63
- First African American to perform a spacewalk: 1995
- Founder: The Harris Foundation
- Current Role: CEO, National Math and Science Initiative
- Member: American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Board Member: Raytheon Technologies
Questions readers ask
What medical training did Bernard Harris receive?
He earned a Doctor of Medicine from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and completed an internal medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic.
What was the mission of The Harris Foundation?
Founded in 1998, the organization invests in community-based initiatives to support education, health, and wealth for disadvantaged individuals.
Is Bernard Harris still active in corporate governance?
Yes, he serves on the board of directors for Raytheon Technologies as of 2021.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Math and Science Initiative
- Educated at Texas Tech University, University of Houston and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Worked as astronaut and physician
