Edward Dwight, a retired Air Force captain who was once chosen to be the first Black man to orbit Earth, is finally going to space with Blue Origin.
The upcoming mission will see Mr. Dwight as part of a diverse six-person crew venturing beyond Earth’s orbit. This historic flight will include a venture capitalist, a craft-beer entrepreneur from France, a retired accountant facing blindness, and other adventurers.
Mr. Dwight’s journey to space began in the 1960s when he was part of the astronaut training program at Edwards Air Force Base under Chuck Yeager’s command. Despite being a charismatic test pilot, Mr. Dwight was not selected to go to space after President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.
Following his Air Force career, Mr. Dwight found success in various fields, including as a restaurateur, real estate developer, and celebrated sculptor of Black historical figures.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Mr. Dwight shared his thoughts on the upcoming spaceflight, describing it as the culmination of a lifetime of overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
When asked about his emotions regarding the journey, Mr. Dwight expressed a sense of fulfillment rather than anger or luck.
For Mr. Dwight, this spaceflight represents the final chapter in a story of perseverance and determination, showcasing his ability to overcome challenges and achieve his goals.
2024-04-30 06:55:23
Original from www.nytimes.com