By Shirley Gómez - New York May 20, 2024 11:46 AM EDT In an inspiring milestone for space exploration and civil rights history, 90-year-old Ed Dwight has become the oldest person to go to space, thanks to a Blue Origin mission owned by Jeff Bezos. Once an Air Force pilot and the United State’ first Black astronaut candidate, Dwight experienced a few minutes of weightlessness aboard Blue Origin’s capsule, marking a significant personal and historical achievement. Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos took to social media to honor Dwight’s remarkable journey.
Sánchez, a prominent media personality, helicopter pilot, philanthropist, and Bezos‘ partner , praised Dwight’s perseverance and legacy by sharing a video of the feat. ©GettyImages As reported by ABC News , Ed Dwight’s journey to the stars was not without its challenges. In the early 1960s, President John F.
Kennedy recognized Dwight’s potential and championed him as a candidate for NASA’s early astronaut corps. Despite his qualifications and Kennedy’s support, Dwight was not selected for the 1963 astronaut class, a decision that left a significant mark in NASA’s history. However, Dwight’s pioneering efforts and his resilience in the face of adversity paved the way for future generations of astronauts.
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