Bernard Anthony Harris Jr.
Bernard Anthony Harris Jr. is an American physician, former NASA astronaut, entrepreneur, and education advocate. He became the first African American astronaut to perform an , a milestone reached during STS-63 in 1995.
- Born
- June 26, 1956
- Died
- N/A
- Birthplace
- Temple, Texas,United States
Flights
2
Spacewalks
1
EVA time
4 hours, 39 minutes
In space
18 days, 6 hours, 8 minutes
Bio
Harris trained as a physician before entering NASA, earning degrees in biology, medicine, and biomedical science. His medical background made him part of the shuttle-era expansion beyond military pilots into physicians, engineers, and scientists.
He flew STS-55 in 1993, the German-led Spacelab D-2 mission, and STS-63 in 1995, the first shuttle with Mir. On STS-63, Harris performed a spacewalk with Michael Foale, testing spacesuit and EVA procedures in the cold environment near Discovery.
After NASA, Harris built a career in business, venture investment, health, and STEM education. His foundation work has focused especially on expanding science and technology opportunities for students.