Excellent overview and, based on comments of readers admitting they were surprised, a very useful public record of unsung heroes and role models.
Nitpicking, neither lost shuttle 'exploded' in the sense of a violent internal blast. Challenger tore apart when a booster segment broke loose and the shuttle's belly fuel tank disintegrated, and Columbia also did not 'explode', it tore apart when a wing heat-shield damaged on launch caused it to lurch sideways at Mach 15. On both shuttles, a more diverse crew complement lost their lives together, as career avenues into astronaut status had widened through technological and cultural maturation that we all should be proud of promoting.
7
Ed Dwight is my new hero. I think that a movie should be made about his life experience and his philosophy about life. He should be a household name and reminds me of Hidden Figures. Thank you Mr. Ed Dwight and would like to meet this hero!!! Thank you for doing this for us. Great article again by The New York Times!!!
13
I, too was not aware of these amazing black astronauts. Their accomplishments are truly inspiring and should be shared with our young people today who need true heroes and role models. Ed Dwight may not have succeeded in becoming the first black astronaut, but he lead the way for these young men and women to accomplish the mission. We owe Ed Dwight a debt of gratitude.
13
I did not know there were this many black astronauts. I knew of Dr Jemison, and of course Ronald McNair of the Challenger tragedy. I will never forget seeing the explosion on CNN in real time and hearing the NASA person saying "obviously a major malfunction."
7
What remarkable Americans! All are role models and heroic figures for our nation.
8
Thank you! Excellent article to accompany the Ed Dwight story.
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