NASA Veterans Bernard Harris, Peggy Whitson Join Hall of Fame

Two veteran NASA astronauts, Bernard Harris and Peggy Whitson, were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame on May 31. The ceremony took place at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, with the space shuttle Atlantis providing a striking backdrop. The honor recognizes their outstanding contributions to space exploration and NASA’s mission. With this induction, the total number of astronauts in the Hall of Fame reached 111. Peggy Whitson was unable to attend the ceremony as she prepares for her upcoming space mission with Axiom-4, set to launch on June 8.

The event was attended by over 33 veteran astronauts, many already members of the Hall of Fame. The ceremony was led by officials from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The gathering celebrated the remarkable achievements of Harris and Whitson and their dedication to space science and exploration.

Bernard Harris has been part of the NASA space program for over 30 years. Since 1986, he has worked at multiple NASA centers, including Ames, Johnson Space Center, and NASA Headquarters. His roles ranged from research scientist and flight surgeon to astronaut and advisor. Harris conducted important research on musculoskeletal physiology and developed medical devices to support longer space missions. He flew as a mission specialist on the STS-55 shuttle mission and as Payload Commander on STS-63. Harris logged more than 438 hours in space and traveled over 7.2 million miles. In 1995, he made history as the first African American astronaut to perform a spacewalk.

Currently, Harris leads Vesalius Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on healthcare technology. He has also worked to improve science and math education through leadership roles and philanthropy. His academic background includes degrees in biology, medicine, and business administration. Harris completed his medical residency at the Mayo Clinic and holds certifications as a flight surgeon, private pilot, and scuba diver. He has received many awards, such as NASA Space Flight Medals, honorary doctorates, and the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Harris is also an author of books about achievement and inspiration.

Peggy Whitson had a 37-year career with NASA and flew on several space shuttle missions as well as long stays aboard the International Space Station. She holds the record for the longest time spent in space by a NASA astronaut, totaling 665 days across three missions. Whitson also holds the record for the most spacewalks by a woman and was the first female commander of the ISS. She was not present at the induction ceremony because she is preparing for the Axiom-4 mission, set for launch in early June.

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame recognizes astronauts who have made significant and lasting contributions to space exploration. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where the Hall of Fame is located, serves as a key site for public education and inspiration about human spaceflight. The induction of Harris and Whitson highlights their continued impact on science, education, and leadership beyond their time in space.