The Virginia Museum of History & Culture the University of Richmond are partnering to discuss the past, present and future contributions of Black astronauts to human space flight on Wednesday and Thursday.
Virginia astronauts Leland D. Melvin and Dr. Robert L. Satcher were the first African Americans to fly to space together on the same mission. Melvin and Satcher will talk about their unique experiences during an evening conversation on Wednesday at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
The two astronauts will also recount their journey to space during a school program for local students on Thursday at the Richmond-based museum.
“’Legacy of Black Astronauts’ presents a rare opportunity for visitors to experience two astronauts who are both integral to Virginia’s history,” said Jamie Bosket, president and CEO at VMHC. “Dr. Robert L. Satcher and Leland Melvin have had remarkable careers and are a testament to the power of hard work and determination. They are a source of pride for our state and a reminder of the great potential of all Virginians.”
Melvin is a Lynchburg native, a graduate and Trustee Emeritus of the University of Richmond, a graduate of the University of Virginia, an aerospace engineer, a mission specialist on NASA’s STS-122 and STS-129 missions and the only person in history to catch a pass in the National Football League and in space.
In March, Melvin was announced as the signature ambassador for the “Apollo: When We Went to the Moon” exhibition at the VMHC which is on display through Dec. 31.
Satcher was born in Hampton and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School. Satcher is an associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He was a mission specialist on NASA’s STS-129 mission where he performed two spacewalks and was the first orthopedic surgeon to travel into space.
“At UR, we seek to prepare our students for lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership in a diverse world,” said Kevin F. Hallock, the University of Richmond’s president. “Leland Melvin is an exemplary alumnus, and we are grateful to him and Dr. Robert L. Satcher for sharing their stories and inspiring us all.”
The “Legacy of Black Astronauts” evening lecture will take place on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the VMHC. The event will not be livestreamed.
A book signing and light refreshments for ticket holders will follow the program, with copies of Leland Melvin’s Chasing Space and the Chasing Space Young Readers’ Edition available for pre-sale through the VMHC Museum Store.
For more information or to purchase tickets to the evening lecture, visit VirginiaHistory.org/Astronauts.
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Crystal Graham
