Dr. Ronald E. McNair

Ronald E. McNair, a North Carolina A&T physicist, became one of the first African American astronauts. He flew on Challenger in 1984 and died in the 1986 Challenger disaster. NASA and many campuses remember him through fellowships and McNair scholars programs.

Selected as a NASA astronaut and flew on STS-41-B in 1984.
Held a Ph.D. in physics and performed laser and materials research in orbit.
Inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in 1987.