NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins presents Howard University Professor, Dr. Prabhakar Misra, left, and Howard University Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dr. Quinton Williams, right, with a montage from her time as part of Expeditions 67 and 68 aboard the International Space Station, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University graduate student LaRay Hare discusses his CubeRover project in the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory with NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dr. Quinton Williams gives NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins a tour of the Renewable Energy/Battery Research Laboratory at Howard University, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University students Elise Turner, left, and Kaie Hall, right, give NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins a tour of a biology laboratory at Howard University, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University students Elise Turner, left, and Kaie Hall, center, give NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins a tour of a biology laboratory at Howard University, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University student Nathan Roseboro gives NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins a demonstration of his work with lasers during a tour of the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory at Howard University, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University student Miles Phillips gives NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins a demonstration of his work with lasers during a tour of the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory at Howard University, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University student Nathan Roseboro gives NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins a demonstration of his work with lasers during a tour of the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory at Howard University, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins walks with Howard University student Myles Pope after giving a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dr. Quinton Williams gives NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins a tour of the Renewable Energy/Battery Research Laboratory at Howard University, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard university student, Myles Pope, gives opening remarks before NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gives a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University student Miles Phillips gives NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins a demonstration of his work with lasers during a tour of the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory at Howard University, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dr. Quinton Williams, introduces NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins to speak about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins asks a question after a demonstration by Howard University student Nathan Roseboro of his work with lasers during a tour of the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory at Howard University, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gives a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gives a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gives a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins is seen in the reflection of a screen on a machine during a tour of a biology laboratory, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gives a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gives a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gives a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gives a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gives a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Howard University graduate student LaRay Hare discusses his CubeRover project in the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory with NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins answers a question after giving a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins tours a biology laboratory after giving a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

A student asks a question after NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gave a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

A student asks a question after NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins gave a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins receives an award after giving a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins answers a question after giving a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins poses for a photo with a student after giving a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

STS-129 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin speaks to students at the Howard University Middle School of Math and Science, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

STS-129 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin speaks to students at the Howard University Middle School of Math and Science, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

STS-129 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin speaks to a class room of students at the Howard University Middle School of Math and Science, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

STS-129 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin, left. looks on as Mission Specialist Robert Satcher answers a question during a presentation to students at the Howard University Middle School of Math and Science, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Attendees enjoy space related activities prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche gives remarks prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche gives remarks prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA TV producer of “The Color of Space” Jori Kates gives remarks prior to the screening of the documentary at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain poses for a photograph with attendees prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA TV producer of “The Color of Space” Jori Kates gives remarks prior to the screening of the documentary at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin gives remarks prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA TV producer of “The Color of Space” Jori Kates gives remarks prior to the screening of the documentary at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Popcorn awaits guests prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin shows some photographs from his previous flight experience prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin poses with attendees prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA TV producer of “The Color of Space” Jori Kates gives remarks prior to the screening of the documentary at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin gives remarks prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin gives remarks prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Children in attendance for the screening the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” draw on postcards that will be sent to space by Club for the Future on a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

6-year old Armani Bonds draws on a postcard that will be sent to space by Club for the Future on a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket prior to he and his family screening the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

9-year old Amara Bowman smiles as her father photographs her inside a Blue Origin New Shepard capsule mockup prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, left, and former NASA astronauts Leland Melvin and Susan Kilrain pose for a photograph prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Attendees try on Oculus headsets and experience the International Space Station using virtual reality prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Attendees line up to go inside a Blue Origin New Shepard capsule mockup prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, left, and NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, pose for photograph with 6-year old Armani Bonds prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

6-year old Armani Bonds poses for a photograph as he exits a Blue Origin New Shepard capsule mockup prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche speaks of NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins during her remarks prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Attendees for the screening the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” get their photos taken with former NASA astronaut Alvin Drew, left, former astronaut Susan Kilrain, and NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche, right, at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Attendees experience the inside of a Blue Origin New Shepard capsule mockup prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson talks with 7-year old Tre Rahaman, left, and 4-year old Amira Rahaman, along with their mother Nadia Rahaman of Silver Sping, Maryland prior to the screening of the NASA produced documentary “The Color of Space” at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Premiering on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, “The Color of Space” is an inspirational documentary that tells the stories of NASA’s Black astronauts determined to reach the stars. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, foreground, speaks with Howard University students after he and and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, right, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to promote collaboration between the two agencies for cooperation in environmental and Earth sciences and environmental management applications at the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, Monday, April 26, 2010, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Howard University’s Afro Blue perform, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, during the “Our Blue Planet” concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. Jeannie Schulz, widow of Peanuts gang creator Charles M. Schulz, was awarded a NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson at the concert. Snoopy rode along as the zero gravity indicator on NASA’s Artemis I mission as part of a partnership with the agency and continues to help NASA inspire kids of all ages to follow along with Artemis missions. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, right, sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to promote collaboration between the two agencies for cooperation in environmental and Earth sciences and environmental management applications as students from the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science look on, Monday, April 26, 2010, at the school in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, right, answer questions from students and faculty from the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science after signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to promote collaboration between the two agencies for cooperation in environmental and Earth sciences and environmental management applications, Monday, April 26, 2010, at the school in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

From left to right: Dr. Oliver Ullrich from the University of Zurich, Dr. Ye Zhang and Dr. Howard Levine of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and Dr. Cora Thiel of the University of Zurich stood in the Space Station Processing Facility on Dec. 18, 2018. NASA recently signed a Space Act Agreement with the university, which is located in Switzerland, to collaborate on biological research. The team is studying gene expression in altered gravity.

From left to right: Dr. Oliver Ullrich from the University of Zurich, Dr. Ye Zhang and Dr. Howard Levine of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and Dr. Cora Thiel of the University of Zurich stood in the Space Station Processing Facility on Dec. 18, 2018. NASA recently signed a Space Act Agreement with the university, which is located in Switzerland, to collaborate on biological research. The team is studying gene expression in altered gravity.

Dr. Oliver Ullrich (left) from the University of Zurich and Dr. Howard Levine of NASA's Kennedy Space Center stood in the Space Station Processing Facility on Dec. 18, 2018. NASA recently signed a Space Act Agreement with the university, which is located in Switzerland, to collaborate on biological research. The team is studying gene expression in altered gravity.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, 4th from left, is presented a plaque in honor of him becoming the 12th NASA Administrator by NASA Headquarters members of his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi: from left, Andrew Hubbard, Clinton Green, Carl Person, Dwayne Brown, and Elbert Cox, right. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded at Howard University on Nov. 17, 1911. The phrase “friendship is essential to the soul," is the fraternity’s motto. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

George Edward Alcorn, a pioneering African American physicist and engineer, is credited with dozens of inventions over the course of a distinguished career in private industry and at NASA, for which he earned eight patents. Alcorn joined Goddard Space Flight Center in 1978 and held numerous leadership roles in both research and administration until his retirement in 2012. One of Alcorn’s signature accomplishments at NASA was developing a smaller, more sensitive X-ray spectrometer, changing the way scientists were able to use the powerful tool in deep space exploration missions. His tool, which uses thermomigration of aluminum, can gather information about remote solar systems; for the invention, Alcorn was honored as the NASA Goddard Inventor of the Year in 1984. In addition to his groundbreaking contributions as an inventor and innovator, Alcorn also championed efforts to hire more women and minorities at Goddard, for which he was honored with the NASA Equal Opportunity Medal, and taught students at Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia. He also founded the Saturday Academy, an honors program in math and science for underserved middle school students. He earned many accolades over the years from NASA and beyond. These include, in 2010, the Robert H. Goddard Award for Merit, for his outstanding innovation and significant contributions to space science, technology, and NASA programs, as well as recognition in 1994 at Howard University’s Heritage of Greatness awards ceremony. He was also inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame in 2015. Alcorn passed away in 2024 at the age of 84.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a visit to Howard A. Doolin Middle School, Miami, Fla., Center Director Jim Kennedy and other NASA and KSC representatives applaud faculty and students from the stage. From left to right are Jim Gerard, Aerospace Education Services Program (AESP) representative; Steve Lewis, assistant to Kennedy; Amber Marek, with KSC External Relations; David Wolf, astronaut; Kennedy; Les Gold, AESP representative; Burdette Brown; and Patricia Leonard and Clarence Bostic, Education Programs and University Research Division. Doolin Middle School is one of 100 to take part in the NASA Explorer Schools program. Kennedy is talking with students, the next generation of explorers, about our destiny as explorers, NASA’s stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a visit to Howard A. Doolin Middle School, Miami, Fla., Center Director Jim Kennedy (shaking hands, center) and other NASA and KSC representatives are greeted by students on stage. With Kennedy on stage are (left to right), Jim Gerard, Aerospace Education Services Program (AESP) representative; Steve Lewis, assistant to Kennedy; Amber Marek, with KSC External Relations; David Wolf, astronaut; Kennedy; Les Gold, AESP representative; Burdette Brown; and Patricia Leonard and Clarence Bostic, Education Programs and University Research Division. Doolin Middle School is one of 100 to take part in the NASA Explorer Schools program. Kennedy is talking with students, the next generation of explorers, about our destiny as explorers, NASA’s stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space.

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a visit to Howard A. Doolin Middle School, Miami, Fla., Center Director Jim Kennedy and other NASA and KSC representatives are greeted by students on stage. From left to right, are Jim Gerard, Aerospace Education Services Program (AESP) representative; Steve Lewis, assistant to Kennedy; Amber Marek, with KSC External Relations; David Wolf, astronaut; Kennedy; Les Gold, AESP representative; Burdette Brown; and Patricia Leonard and Clarence Bostic, Education Programs and University Research Division. Doolin Middle School is one of 100 to take part in the NASA Explorer Schools program. Kennedy is talking with students, the next generation of explorers, about our destiny as explorers, NASA’s stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space.

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a visit to Howard A. Doolin Middle School, Miami, Fla., Center Director Jim Kennedy and other NASA and KSC representatives are greeted by students on stage. From left to right are Jim Gerard, Aerospace Education Services Program representative; Steve Lewis, assistant to Kennedy; Amber Marek, with KSC External Relations; David Wolf, astronaut; Kennedy; Les Gold, AESP representative; Burdette Brown; and Patricia Leonard and Clarence Bostic, Education Programs and University Research Division. Doolin Middle School is one of 100 to take part in the NASA Explorer Schools program. Kennedy is talking with students, the next generation of explorers, about our destiny as explorers, NASA’s stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space.

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.