Ed Dwight, a pivotal figure in American aerospace history, embarked on his historic journey to space six decades after his initial nomination as the nation's first Black astronaut candidate.
His groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of diversity and inclusion in space exploration.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 17: Ed Dwight attends National Geographic Documentary Films "The Space Race" DC/DOX Closing Night Event on June 17, 2023. Jemal Countess/Getty Images for National Geographic
Finally, Going to Space
America's first Black astronaut candidate, Ed Dwight, finally journeyed into space six decades after his initial nomination. Associated Press said he will join Jeff Bezos' aerospace company's flight.
Initially endorsed by President John F. Kennedy for NASA's astronaut program in 1963, Dwight, an Air Force pilot at the time, was not selected for the cohort.
Now aged 90, he experienced weightlessness during the approximately 10-minute flight aboard Blue Origin's capsule and described the experience as transformative.
Blue Origin marked its return to crewed launches after an almost two-year hiatus. The pause followed a 2022 incident in which the booster malfunctioned, resulting in a crash landing, although the experiments within the capsule descended safely with parachutes.
While flights resumed in December, they were unmanned until now. This mission marks Blue Origin's seventh space tourist flight.
After stepping out of the capsule, Dwight shared his sentiments, initially questioning the necessity of the experience but later expressing his overwhelming joy and appreciation.
The brief flight from West Texas not only left him feeling indispensable but also secured his place in history as the oldest person to travel to space. By almost two months, he exceeded the age of "Star Trek" actor William Shatner during his 2021 space journey.
Dwight's Historic Journey
Hailing from Denver, Dwight accompanied four business entrepreneurs from the U.S. and France, along with a retired accountant, on the space voyage. While the ticket prices remained undisclosed, the nonprofit Space for Humanity partially sponsored Dwight's seat.
Dwight was one of the candidates recommended by the Air Force to NASA. However, he was not among those chosen for the 1963 class, which comprised eventual Gemini and Apollo astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins of Apollo 11 fame.
It wasn't until 1978 that NASA selected its first Black astronauts, with Guion Bluford becoming the first African American to journey into space in 1983. Three years prior, in 1980, the Soviets launched the first Black astronaut, Arnaldo Tamayo Mendez, a Cuban of African descent.
Following his departure from the military in 1966, Dwight embarked on a career journey, leading him to IBM and establishing a construction company. Later, in the late 1970s, he pursued higher education, obtaining a master's degree in sculpture.
Since then, he has focused on art, particularly sculptures highlighting Black history. Dwight's portfolio includes various memorials and monuments scattered across the country. Notably, several of his sculptures have been transported into space.
