Ed Dwight: A Journey Six Decades in the Making
Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, is preparing for its 25th mission to space. Among the six crew members selected for this historic voyage is 90-year-old Ed Dwight.
A Long-Awaited Opportunity
Ed Dwight was originally chosen by President John F. Kennedy’s administration in 1961 to be trained as the first Black astronaut. Despite being passed over for the role at the time, Dwight is now set to fulfill his dream of space travel. The crew also includes notable individuals like Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth Hess, Carol Schaller, and Gopi Thotakura.
Space for Humanity’s Sponsorship
Dwight’s seat on the mission is sponsored by Space for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to space travel opportunities. A launch date for the mission has not yet been announced.
A Remarkable Journey
Born in segregated Kansas in 1933, Ed Dwight was an Air Force pilot and the only Black officer who met the criteria to become an astronaut. Despite initial hesitation, Dwight embraced his selection, although he was never chosen for NASA’s program. He later pursued a career as a sculptor after earning his Master of Fine Arts degree.
Recognition and Remembering
Ed Dwight’s story as the first Black astronaut candidate gained renewed attention when National Geographic released a documentary in 2023, “The Space Race,” highlighting the contributions of early Black astronauts in U.S. history. His upcoming voyage with Blue Origin marks a significant milestone in his remarkable journey.
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