The Monroe Science Center is honoring Black History Month by highlighting notable African American figures in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Our second featured figure is Dr. Guion "Guy" Bluford, the first African American to fly in space.
Dr. Bluford's journey began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 22, 1942. His family, particularly his mother, a special education teacher, and his father, an electrical engineer, instilled in him the value of education. This early influence set the stage for Guy's ambitious career in aerospace engineering. His determination, resilience, and passion for learning were key factors in his success.
Dr. Bluford enrolled at Pennsylvania State University as part of the U.S. Air Force ROTC program and received his undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering in 1964. Dr. Bluford trained as a pilot at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. He flew over 140 combat missions during the Vietnam War. He won many medals for his service, including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Dr. Bluford enrolled at the Air Force Institute of Technology at the war's end, receiving a master's degree and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering.
Dr. Bluford was one of 35 chosen to join the new space shuttle team in January 1978 out of nearly 10,000 applicants to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) space program. He became a NASA astronaut in August 1979. Dr. Bluford made history on August 30, 1983, when he became the first African American to experience space travel. Dr. Bluford was a specialist for mission STS-8 aboard the space shuttle Challenger. Two years later, on October 30, 1985, Dr. Bluford made his second trip to space as a specialist for mission STS-61A aboard Challenger.
Following the tragic Challenger explosion in January 1986, Dr. Bluford, like the rest of the world, was dismayed, but that didn't stop his determination to succeed. Dr. Bluford returned to the classroom for a master's in business administration from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, in 1987. His unwavering commitment to the NASA space program was evident as he overcame a herniated disc to be back for mission STS-39 aboard the orbiter Discovery, taking off on April 28, 1991. Dr. Bluford's final trip to space on December 2, 1992, was a testament to his remarkable career as one of five crew members of mission STS-53 aboard Discovery.
With a total of 688 hours in space, the distinguished astronaut retired from NASA and the Air Force in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of pride and inspiration. He said, "I was the first African American to fly in space, not once, not twice, not three times, but four."
Retirement could not keep Dr. Bluford from continuing to make an impact on the world. In 1993, he became the Vice President/General Manager of the Engineering Division of NYMA, Inc., in Greenbelt, Maryland. In May 1997, he became Vice President of the Aerospace Sector of Federal Data Corporation. In October 2000, he became the Vice President of Microgravity Research and Development and Operations for the Northrop Grumman Corporation. He retired from Northrop Grumman in September 2002 to become the President of Aerospace Technology, an engineering consulting organization in Cleveland, Ohio, a position he still holds. His post-NASA career is a testament to his leadership and influence in the aerospace industry.
Dr. Bluford's achievements are not just personal triumphs, but also significant milestones for the African American community and the STEM field. His success has paved the way for many others and serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring astronauts and engineers. He was the first African-American to travel into space, and thanks to his work, he will not be the last.