I worked at a US naval base and studied satellites and radar. I helped invent Global Positioning Systems.

Which president made Black History Month a national observation?

As a child I was creative and adventurous. I later worked for NASA, engineering for the missions to Jupiter and Saturn.

Why is February the specific month to celebrate black history?

I was born in New York in the late 1950's. I am a teacher, professor, TV host, presidential advisor, and published writer. I continue to impact the lives of young people by explaining the complicated topics of astronomy in a very understandable way.

I became an astronaut in 1978 when I joined NASA, after graduating from MIT. I was the second african american to fly in space. I was part of the Challenger crew.