Charles Bolden is a retired United States Marine Corps Major General and a former NASA Administrator. Born on August 19, 1946, in Columbia, South Carolina, Bolden has dedicated his career to serving his country in various capacities, including as a pilot and astronaut. Bolden was...
Charles Bolden is a retired United States Marine Corps Major General and a former NASA Administrator. Born on August 19, 1946, in Columbia, South Carolina, Bolden has dedicated his career to serving his country in various capacities, including as a pilot and astronaut. Bolden was appointed as the twelfth NASA Administrator by President Barack Obama and served in this role from July 2009 to January 2017. Throughout his career, Bolden has been a trailblazer and has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration and technology.
Bolden's journey to becoming a NASA Administrator began with his service in the United States Marine Corps. He attended the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical science. After graduating in 1968, Bolden was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He went on to complete flight training and served as a naval aviator, pilot, and officer in various roles throughout his military career.
In 1980, Bolden was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA and underwent rigorous training to prepare for space missions. He made history in 1986 by becoming the first African American to pilot a space shuttle, flying aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on the STS-61C mission. Bolden's exemplary performance and leadership skills led to his selection as commander of the Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-31 mission in 1990, where he played a key role in deploying the Hubble Space Telescope.
Bolden retired from the Marine Corps in 2003 after 34 years of service, but his dedication to space exploration continued. In 2009, President Obama appointed him as the NASA Administrator, a role in which he served for two terms. As the head of the United States' space agency, Bolden oversaw a wide range of initiatives and advancements in space exploration, technology, and scientific research. He played a crucial role in championing the development of the Space Launch System, a powerful rocket designed to take humans beyond low Earth orbit, as well as the Orion spacecraft, which serves as a crew vehicle for deep space missions.
Under Bolden's leadership, NASA also made significant strides in international partnerships, collaborating with space agencies from around the world to advance scientific research and exploration. Bolden was a passionate advocate for the importance of space exploration, highlighting its potential to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers. He championed the agency's efforts to engage with the public and promote STEM education, emphasizing the impact of space exploration on society and the economy.
Throughout his tenure as NASA Administrator, Bolden faced numerous challenges and obstacles, but his leadership and vision guided the agency through these hurdles. He worked tirelessly to ensure that NASA remained at the forefront of space exploration, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring the world with its discoveries. Bolden's legacy as an astronaut and administrator is marked by his unwavering dedication to advancing humanity's understanding of the universe and pioneering new frontiers in space.
Since stepping down as NASA Administrator, Bolden has continued to be a leading voice in the space community, advocating for the importance of space exploration and scientific research. He remains actively involved in promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts. Bolden's remarkable career and contributions to the aerospace industry have left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
