A Historic Honor for a Trailblazer
Dr. Bernard Harris, a proud San Antonio native, is set to receive one of the highest honors in space exploration—induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Harris, along with fellow veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, will be officially recognized at a ceremony on May 31, 2025, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This prestigious accolade places Harris among an elite group of only 109 astronauts who have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame for their contributions to space exploration.
Curt Brown, chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, praised Harris and Whitson as “exceptional and trailblazing veterans of the space program who contributed significantly to NASA’s mission.”
A Career of Firsts
Dr. Bernard Harris’s career with NASA has been groundbreaking. As an astronaut, he made history on February 9, 1995, by becoming the first African American to perform an extra-vehicular activity (EVA), or spacewalk. Throughout his two space shuttle missions—STS-55 and STS-63—he logged more than 438 hours and traveled over 7.2 million miles in space.
Harris’s contributions extend far beyond his time as an astronaut. Over the years, he has worked as a research scientist, flight surgeon, and advisor, making significant advancements in space medicine, particularly in musculoskeletal physiology and space adaptation. His innovations in in-flight medical devices have helped extend astronaut stays in space, furthering NASA’s ability to conduct long-duration missions.
Commitment to Science, Education, and Innovation
Harris has remained deeply committed to science and education. As the CEO and Managing Partner of Vesalius Ventures, Inc., he invests in early-stage healthcare technology companies. He also led the National Math & Science Initiative, a program dedicated to improving teacher effectiveness and student achievement, ensuring that future generations have access to quality STEM education.
His philanthropic work includes founding the Harris Institute & Foundation, which focuses on empowering underrepresented students through math and science education. In addition, he serves on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards, including Raytheon Technologies, MassMutual, and the Texas Medical Center.
A Legacy of Achievement
Dr. Harris’s achievements have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including two NASA Space Flight Medals, the NASA Award of Merit, and the James Bryant Conant Award. He has also received nine honorary doctorates, is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, and was honored with the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond his professional and academic accolades, Harris is also an author of two inspirational books: Dream Walker: A Journey of Achievement and Inspiration and Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential.
San Antonio’s Own Space Pioneer
As a San Antonio native, Harris’s journey from Texas to space is a testament to perseverance, education, and the pursuit of excellence. His induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame is not just a personal achievement but a moment of pride for the entire San Antonio community.
Harris’s legacy will continue to inspire young minds, proving that with dedication and vision, even the sky is not the limit.
