As history’s first commercial astronaut, Charles “Charlie” Walker has significantly contributed to space research and commercial spaceflight development.

In the 1980s, Mr. Walker became the first private/commercial astronaut to fly aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle on missions STS-41D, 51D, and 61B. His work focused on micro-gravity purification of biomedical materials and protein crystal growth, accumulating 20 days in space and traveling 8.2 million miles. Although

not a NASA employee, Walker played a pivotal role in both the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs and contributed to the Constellation space exploration program. He has also been instrumental in designing the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft at Boeing.

Walker’s career spans engineering, business, and public advocacy. He worked with the U.S. Navy Sea Systems Command and Bendix Aerospace before transitioning to leadership roles in numerous not-for-profit and educational organizations, including the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and the X-Prize Committee. In addition to his advocacy efforts, Walker has authored numerous articles on space, testified before Congress, and participated in various media projects, promoting the commercialization and future of space exploration.