After being championed by President John F. Kennedy as a candidate for NASA’s early astronaut corps, Ed Dwight, America’s first Black astronaut candidate, finally flew into space 60 years later with Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, Blue Origin. Dwight, now 90, experienced a few minutes of weightlessness aboard a Blue Origin capsule with five other passengers on a roughly 10-minute flight. He described the experience as life-changing and fulfilling, despite initially thinking he didn’t need it in his life. The brief flight from West Texas made Dwight the oldest person in space, surpassing “Star Trek” actor William Shatner’s record. This flight was Blue Origin’s first crew launch in nearly two years, following a 2022 accident that grounded the company. Dwight was joined by four business entrepreneurs and a retired accountant, with ticket prices not disclosed.
Dwight was among the potential astronauts recommended by the Air Force to NASA but was not chosen for the 1963 astronaut class, which included eventual Gemini and Apollo astronauts. NASA did not select Black astronauts until 1978, with Guion Bluford becoming the first African American in space in 1983. Before this, the Soviets had launched the first Black astronaut, Arnaldo Tamayo Mendez, in 1980. After leaving the military in 1966, Dwight pursued a career with IBM and started a construction company before earning a master’s degree in sculpture in the late 1970s. He has since dedicated himself to art, creating sculptures focused on Black history and designing memorials and monuments across the country. A number of his sculptures have even flown into space.
Dwight reflected on his career at age 90, expressing his excitement and joy at finally getting the chance to travel to space. His seat on the Blue Origin flight was sponsored in part by the nonprofit Space for Humanity. The flight marked Blue Origin’s seventh time flying space tourists, with flights having resumed in December after a hiatus following a 2022 accident. During the flight, the booster safely landed back on Earth while the capsule carried out its mission in space. Dwight’s experience in space with Blue Origin marks a significant moment in his life and career, fulfilling a dream that had been deferred for six decades.
The historic flight was a culmination of a lifelong journey for Ed Dwight, who had once been passed over for astronaut selection due to his race. Despite facing discrimination and setbacks, Dwight persevered and went on to build a successful career as an artist and sculptor, with his work honoring Black history and culture. By flying into space with Blue Origin, Dwight made history as the oldest person in space and fulfilled a dream that had eluded him for most of his life. The flight represented a triumph over adversity and a celebration of resilience and determination, showcasing the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles.
In achieving this milestone, Dwight’s story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams and aspirations. His journey from Air Force pilot to astronaut candidate to acclaimed sculptor and finally to space traveler is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s passion. Through his art and now his spaceflight, Dwight has left an indelible mark on history and paved the way for future generations of Black astronauts and artists. His legacy will endure as a symbol of courage, creativity, and the enduring human spirit. Dwight’s journey reminds us that despite the challenges we may face, with determination, resilience, and a steadfast belief in ourselves, we can overcome any obstacle and soar to new heights.
