Written by Reananda Hidayat PermonoCompleted Master of Science - MS, Petroleum Geology from Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
NASA is celebrating the memorable contribution of African Americans to the United States space programs in honor of Black History Month.
Coming to NASA from various backgrounds as engineers, military pilots, and scientists, those astronauts have made important contributions.
They participated in space shuttle missions to do critical tasks like deploying satellites, conducting scientific research, piloting space shuttle missions, and performing spacewalks.
Recently, some African American astronauts played key roles during the International Space Station assembly.
They conducted research and performed multiple spacewalks and robotic operations.
Several astronauts have become senior leaders at the agency, including NASA’s administrator.
Because of their performances, African American astronauts are strong candidates for exploration missions in the Artemis Program.
Here are African Americans who have flown in space:
- Arnaldo Tamayo Mendez
- Robert H. Lawrence
- Guion S. Bluford
- Ronald E. McNair
- Frederick D. Gregory
- Charles F. Bolden
- Dr. Mae C. Jemison
- Dr. Bernard A. Harris
- Winston E. Scott
- Robert L. Curbeam
- Michael P. Anderson
- Stephanie D. Wilson
- B. Alvin Drew
- Leland D. Melvin
- Dr. Robert L. Satcher
- Victor J. Glover
- Sian H. Proctor
- Jessica A. Watkins
Those African American astronauts' contributions started with NASA missions in 1967.