Going to space is something incredible that only a tiny fraction of the world’s population has managed to accomplish. Those who accomplish this daring venture are usually widely celebrated in their respective communities. 

Among those whom have blasted beyond the earth’s orbit are the following 5 black astronauts. 

Bernard Anthony Harris Jr. 

Bernard Anthony Harris Jr. was the first black person who walked in space. Back in 1995, during his second Space Shuttle flight, the former NASA astronaut performed the spacewalk. That act made him famous worldwide. Moreover, he is a surgeon, entrepreneur, and scientist who developed the non-profit Harris Foundation.

 

Mae Carol Jemison

Mae Carol Jemison is the very first African American woman astronaut. She became the first black woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour back in 1992. The NASA astronaut, teacher, physician, Peace Corps volunteer, and engineer is continuing to inspire. 

 

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Stephanie D. Wilson

Wilson was selected by NASA in 1996 and flew her first mission (STS-121) to the International Space Shuttle in 2006. Throughout her career, she logged over 42 days in space and is a veteran of three space flights.

 

Guion Bluford

Bluford was the first African American astronaut in space. He experienced his earliest flight in 1983 as a member of the crew of the Orbiter Challenger on the mission STS-8. Overall, Bluford has been part of four shuttle missions before he left NASA and retired from the Air Force in 1993. 

 

Winston E. Scott

Back in 1992, Scott was chosen by NASA for astronaut training before serving as a mission specialist in 1996 on STS-72 Endeavour. He conducted a spacewalk during which several techniques later used in the International Space Station’s assembly were evaluated and demonstrated. Winston E. Scott performed a total of three spacewalks prior to his retirement.

All of these African American astronauts are, undoubtedly, remarkable! Their hard work and ability to break barriers prove that even the most challenging missions can be successfully completed.