DENVER, May 14, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Space for Humanity is excited to announce that a
launch date has officially been set for Ed
Dwight's historic flight. Ed will be flying to space this
Sunday, May 19th, 2024. Space for
Humanity is proud to sponsor Ed
Dwight's upcoming mission on board Blue Origin's New Shepard
rocket.
"Ed Dwight embodies the spirit of
our Citizen Astronaut Program and it's an honor to support his
voyage to space. Our mission to democratize space aligns with his
journey, demonstrating the courage and dedication we aspire to
elevate to new heights. We're elated to soon witness this moment in
space history," said Antonio
Peronace, Executive Director of Space for Humanity.
A subject of the recent documentary, "The Space Race," Ed was
selected by President John F.
Kennedy in 1961 as the United State's first Black astronaut
candidate but was never granted the opportunity to fly to space.
Now, at 90-years young, Ed Dwight
will finally travel to space.
Reflecting on the upcoming launch, documentary Executive
Producer and retired NASA astronaut Leland
Melvin said: "For the past year, while screening Ed's story
in the documentary, 'The Space Race,' I got emotional every time I
saw his disappointment when he was removed from the Astronaut
Training Program. I'm very excited that Ed will get his chance to
break the surly bonds of our home planet. Thanks, Space for
Humanity, for helping make Ed's journey to Space a reality, and for
creating access to space for All. Godspeed Ed and crew."
Peronace added: "Ed Dwight is a
force of nature and an inspiration to countless. His story is a
demonstration of knowing one's own worth, challenging barriers, and
discovering what's possible when we reach for the stars. Space for
Humanity is humbled to have the opportunity to play a small role in
Ed's incredible journey."
Space for Humanity Vision Circle member, Mason Angel, is also among Ed's crew. Together,
they'll have the chance to experience the transformative power of
the Overview Effect and inspire the next generation of Citizen
Astronauts.
Space for Humanity is a globally recognized, 501c3 nonprofit
organization that is increasing access to space for all the world's
citizens and changing humanity's perspective on our place in the
cosmos. Space for Humanity operates a Citizen Astronaut Program
that sends thoughtfully selected, impact-driven individuals from
any walk of life to space to experience the "Overview Effect," a
cognitive shift brought on by viewing the Earth from space. Space
for Humanity provides its Citizen Astronauts specialized training
so that upon their return to Earth they can serve as leaders and
global ambassadors, inspiring a better, brighter tomorrow for
all.
To learn more about Space for Humanity's work and provide
support for missions like that of Ed
Dwight's, please
visit: https://spaceforhumanity.org/donate.
Ad Astra.
Media Contact: Sarah Nickell,
sarah@nickellcommunications.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/space-for-humanity-announces-launch-date-for-historic-flight-first-black-astronaut-candidate-ed-dwight-finally-going-to-space-302145193.html
SOURCE Space for Humanity