In 2020, a group of African American astronauts formed an affinity group, nicknamed the “Afronauts.”
Over the past two weeks, we highlighted “Afronauts” who served in the military. They made history with contributions that include participating in space shuttle missions to perform critical tasks such as deploying and retrieving satellites, performing spacewalks, conducting science and technology research, and piloting and commanding space shuttle missions. In 1961, Captain Ed Dwight Jr. was chosen as the first astronaut candidate and twenty-two years later, Colonel Guidon Bluford became the first African American in space in 1983.
African American astronauts played key roles in the assembly of the International Space Station, and today utilize the orbiting lab by performing numerous spacewalks and robotic operations and conducting research as expedition crewmembers. Several have distinguished themselves as senior leaders at NASA, such as Colonel Frederick Gregory and Major General Charles Bolden Jr. Together the #Afronauts not only share their experiences and provide support for one another but aim to inspire future generations of astronauts.
We hope you learned a lot about the members of the #Afronauts (the affinity group of African American astronauts) who also served in the military and be sure to join us tomorrow for some safety tips to enjoy the upcoming eclipse.
Photo: Dr. Ronald McNair, Colonel Guidon Bluford, and Colonel Frederick Gregory, courtesy of NASA
