Who Is Dr Bernard Harris
Dr Bernard A. Harris Jr. is a former NASA astronaut, physician, and businessman known as the first African American to perform a spacewalk. He flew on Space Shuttle missions STS-55 and STS-63, logging over 438 hours in space. Harris holds a medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and an MBA from the University of Houston. He founded Vesalius Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on healthcare and technology startups. His career spans aerospace medicine, spaceflight operations, and private investment.
After leaving NASA in 1996, Harris transitioned into the healthcare and technology sectors. He served as CEO of the National Space Society and later led medical device and health IT initiatives. His work in venture capital targets early-stage companies in digital health, biotech, and aerospace. Harris has been cited in business profiles and financial media as an example of a high-achieving astronaut-turned-entrepreneur. His public speaking and board roles reinforce his profile as a crossover figure between space exploration and finance.
Dr Bernard Harris Net Worth and Income Sources
Dr Bernard Harris net worth is estimated in the low millions, derived from his NASA career, executive roles, and venture capital activity. Publicly available data from financial profiles and business reports indicate that his wealth comes from salary, equity in private companies, and investment gains. Harris has not disclosed a precise net worth figure, but industry estimates place his assets in a range typical for former astronauts with post-NASA business involvement. His venture firm Vesalius Ventures targets healthcare and technology startups, which can generate returns through exits and dividends.
Harris's income sources include board seats, consulting, and speaking engagements in aerospace and health sectors. He has been affiliated with companies and organizations that focus on space commercialization, medical technology, and innovation. Financial coverage often references his transition from government astronaut to private-sector investor as a model for career diversification. While exact revenue figures are not public, his continued presence in business and finance media highlights his relevance in discussions of astronaut wealth and post-NASA careers.
Career Highlights and Key Milestones
Harris was selected by NASA in 1990 and completed two spaceflights before departing the agency in 1996. He was a mission specialist on STS-55 and STS-63, contributing to microgravity research and shuttle operations. His spacewalk during STS-63 marked a milestone for diversity in space exploration. After NASA, he held leadership roles in healthcare and technology firms, and he founded Vesalius Ventures to invest in early-stage health and tech companies.
His career milestones are documented in NASA biographies, business profiles, and financial media. Harris has been recognized for contributions to aerospace medicine and for promoting STEM education. His venture capital work aligns with trends in digital health and space technology investment. Public records and business filings show his involvement in companies that bridge healthcare innovation and commercial space activities.
NASA Spaceflight Experience
During his NASA tenure, Harris participated in two Space Shuttle missions that advanced scientific research and international cooperation in low Earth orbit. His technical roles included operating payloads and supporting extravehicular activity preparations. These missions contributed to his expertise in aerospace operations and informed his later investments in space-related ventures. NASA's official mission archives and astronaut biographies provide detailed timelines of his flights and responsibilities.
Post-NASA Business and Investment Focus
After leaving NASA, Harris focused on venture capital and executive leadership in healthcare technology. Vesalius Ventures, his investment firm, targets startups at the intersection of medicine and technology. His portfolio reflects interest in digital health platforms, medical devices, and data-driven healthcare solutions. Business profiles and financial news outlets describe his strategy as combining domain expertise in aerospace medicine with venture investment discipline.
Key Affiliations and Board Roles
Harris has served on boards and advisory roles