African-Americans In Space There are a lot more African-Americans who‘ve been in space than you might guess. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (NASA) is highlighting the achievements of African-American Astronauts. So below is a listing of some of the first ones who have been up in space and what they did. Almost all these missions were on the space shuttle. African-American Astronauts -- Important "Firsts" 1983-2002 Guion S. Bluford, Jr., Ph.D. (Colonel, U.S. Air Force - Retired): First African-American in Space Biographical Information: Born: November 22, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University; Master of Science and doctorate of philosophy in aerospace engineering from Air Force Institute of Technology; master in business administration, University of Houston, Clear Lake. Missions Flown: Flew on STS-8, STS 61-A, STS-39, and STS-53. Present Occupation: Currently Vice President and General Manager, Engineering Services Division, NYMA Inc., Brook Park, Ohio. Frederick D. Gregory (Colonel, U.S. Air Force - Retired): First African-American Space Shuttle Commander Biographical Information: Born: January 7, 1941, in Washington, D.C. Educational Background: Bachelor of science from U.S. Air Force Academy; master of science in information systems from George Washington University. Missions Flown: Flew on STS 51-B, STS-33, and STS-44 Present Occupation: Currently Associate Administrator, Safety & Mission Assurance, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. Mae C. Jemison, M.D. First African-American Woman in Space Biographical Information: Born: October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama. Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Stanford University; doctorate of medicine from Cornell University. Missions Flown: Flew on STS-47. Present Occupation: Currently President, The Jemison Group, Inc., Houston, Texas. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., M.D. First African-American to Walk in Space Biographical Information: Born: June 26, 1956 in Temple, Texas Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in biology from University of Houston; doctorate of medicine from Texas Tech University. Present Occupation: NASA Astronaut (Mission Specialist) (Below is a press release from when Harris went on his mission) Harris Becomes First African-American to Walk in Space Bernard A. Harris, Jr. will make history as he becomes the first African-American astronaut to walk in space. Harris and crewmate Michael Foale will leave the space shuttle Discovery's airlock on the seventh day of the STS-63 mission to conduct a planned five-hour spacewalk. The two astronauts will practice moving a large object in space and also will check out modifications designed to improve the thermal protection of their extravehicular activity suits. Harris and Foale maneuvered the 2,661 pound Spartan satellite demonstrating new techniques for moving large objects in space without using the shuttle's remote manipulator system -- or robot arm. The techniques may be used in assembling and maintaining the International Space Station. To test new thermal protection characteristics of the spacesuit's arms and gloves, Harris and Foale will work in Discovery's payload bay, shadowed from the warmth of the sun. The two astronauts will report back on their thermal comfort levels, particularly their hands. Other African-American Astronauts (Current and Former) Winston E. Scott (Captain, U.S. Navy): Current Astronaut Biographical Information: Born: August 6, 1950 in Miami, Florida Educational Background: Bachelor of arts in music from Florida State University; Master of Science in aeronautical engineering from U.S. Naval Postgraduate School Missions Flown: Flew on STS-72. Present Occupation: NASA Astronaut (Mission Specialist) Michael P. Anderson (Major, USAF): Astronaut Candidate Biographical Information: Born: December 25, 1959, in Plattsburgh, New York Educational Background: Bachelor of Science degree in physics/astronomy from University of Washington; Master of Science degree in physics from Creighton University Present Occupation: NASA Astronaut Candidate (Mission Specialist) Robert L. Curbeam, Jr.: Astronaut Candidate Biographical Information: Born: March 5, 1962, in Baltimore, Maryland Educational Background: Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Academy; Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School; degree of aeronautical astronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School Present Occupation: NASA Astronaut Candidate (Mission Specialist) Charles F. Bolden, Jr. (Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps): Former Astronaut Biographical Information: Born: August 19, 1946, in Columbia, South Carolina. Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in electrical science from U.S. Naval Academy; Master of Science in systems management from University of Southern California. Missions Flown: Flew on STS-61C, STS-31, STS-45, and STS-60. Present Occupation: Currently Deputy Commandant, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D. Deceased Biographical Information: Born: October 21, 1950, in Lake City, South Carolina. Educational Background: Bachelor of science in physics from North Carolina A&T State College; doctorate of philosophy in physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Missions Flown: Flew on STS 41-B and STS-51L. Died: January 28, 1986, in the Challenger (STS-51L) accident. There is no doubt that will be seeing many more African -Americans up in orbit and in exploring space.

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