Charles Bolden Quotes

Astronaut
USA
1946

Charles Bolden is a retired United States Marine Corps Major General and former NASA administrator. He was the first African American to hold the position of NASA administrator, serving from 2009 to 2017. Bolden is a highly decorated veteran, having served in the Marine Corps for 34 years and flying over 100 combat missions in Vietnam. He also served as a test pilot and was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1980. Bolden flew four space shuttle missions, including the first joint US-Russian shuttle mission, and logged over 680 hours in space. As NASA administrator, he oversaw the final flights of the space shuttle program and the development of the Orion spacecraft. Bolden is also a strong advocate for STEM education and has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to space exploration.Read Less

It’s highly improbable in the limitless vastness of the Universe that we humans stand alone. Feraz Zeid, December 25, 2023, Charles Bolden, Limitless, Standing Alone, 0

- Charles Bolden

Astronaut

· USA

Charles Bolden Career Highlights

Bolden graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1968 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.
He served as a combat pilot in the Vietnam War and flew over 100 missions.
In 1980, he was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA and completed his training in 1981.
Bolden flew four space shuttle missions, including the first joint US-Russian shuttle mission in 1994.
He served as the commander of the space shuttle Discovery in 1994 and the space shuttle Atlantis in 1996.
In 2009, Bolden was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as the administrator of NASA, becoming the first African American to hold the position.
During his tenure as NASA administrator, Bolden oversaw the final flights of the space shuttle program and the development of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System.
He also played a key role in promoting international cooperation in space exploration, particularly with Russia and China.
Bolden retired from NASA in 2017 and currently serves on the board of directors for several companies, including the Military Bowl Foundation and the National Math and Science Initiative.

Key Contributions by Charles Bolden

Bolden’s military career was marked by his exceptional leadership skills and bravery in combat. He received numerous awards and decorations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
As an astronaut, Bolden played a crucial role in the success of several space shuttle missions, including the first joint US-Russian mission. He also served as the pilot for the first shuttle mission to rendezvous with the Russian space station Mir.
As NASA administrator, Bolden oversaw the development of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System, which are key components of NASA’s future missions to the Moon and Mars.
He also worked to expand international cooperation in space exploration, recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving ambitious goals in space.

What Sets Charles Bolden Apart

Bolden’s distinguished military career and his achievements as an astronaut make him stand out as a leader and a pioneer in the field of space exploration.
He is known for his calm and composed demeanor, even in high-pressure situations, which has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
Bolden’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the space industry is also noteworthy. As the first African American NASA administrator, he has been a strong advocate for increasing diversity in the agency and inspiring the next generation of diverse space explorers.

Takeaways

Charles Bolden’s career is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. From his humble beginnings as a Marine Corps officer to becoming the head of NASA, he has shown that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.
His leadership skills and ability to work under pressure have been crucial to the success of many space missions.
Bolden’s contributions to the field of space exploration, both as an astronaut and as NASA administrator, have paved the way for future advancements and collaborations in space.
He serves as an inspiration to many, especially to those from underrepresented communities, showing that diversity and inclusion are essential for progress and innovation in any field.