Dr. Bernard Harris is a medical doctor, astronaut, and venture capitalist known for being the first African American to conduct a space walk in 1995. Inspired by Star Trek and the moon landing, he pursued a career in medicine with the goal of becoming an astronaut, joining NASA’s program at age 34. His experiences in space were profound and reflected positively on his passion for education, which led him to establish a foundation supporting STEM education for children. He also reflected on the impact of his career on his family and the sheer power of the space shuttle.
I studied medicine, always with the goal of becoming an astronaut. In 1990, when I was about 34, I was selected for the astronaut program.
My career as an astronaut was tough on my family. Many people don't realize that the space shuttle weighs 5 million pounds.
Space was incredibly peaceful. Later, when the hatch opened for my space walk, I felt like I was falling, just for a second.
He attributes his success to education, and his foundation supports STEM for kids.
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