Charles Bolden was born on August 19, 1946, in South Carolina. He grew up with a fascination for space and aviation, which eventually led him to pursue a career as an astronaut. He attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated with a degree in electrical science in 1968.
After graduating from the Naval Academy, Bolden joined the U.S. Marine Corps and became a Major General. He served in the military for over three decades, from 1968 until his retirement in 2004. During his time in the Marine Corps, Bolden received numerous awards and accolades for his service, demonstrating his dedication and leadership skills.
Charles Bolden's dream of becoming an astronaut became a reality when he was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1980. He quickly rose through the ranks and participated in four space flights, including serving as the pilot for the Space Shuttle Discovery and the commander of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Bolden's expertise and experience in space earned him the respect of his colleagues and the admiration of space enthusiasts around the world.
In 2009, Charles Bolden made history when he was appointed as the Administrator of NASA by President Barack Obama. As the first African American to hold this position on a permanent basis, Bolden faced the challenges of leading one of the most prestigious and technologically advanced organizations in the world. Despite the pressures and responsibilities of his new role, Bolden continued to inspire others with his dedication to space exploration and innovation.
Charles Bolden married Alexis Walker in 1968, and together they raised two children. His family provided him with love and support throughout his career, allowing Bolden to pursue his dreams and make a lasting impact on the world of space exploration. In addition to his family, Bolden's colleagues and friends have always admired his determination, humility, and passion for discovery.