At 90 years old, Ed Dwight finally got his chance to go to space with Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. It was a big moment for him, especially after missing out on being America’s first Black astronaut way back when. Alongside his crew mates, including folks like a venture capitalist and a retired accountant, he shot past the boundary of space and got to feel weightless for a bit.

For Dwight, this trip was more than just a ride; it was a lifelong dream finally coming true. Despite facing setbacks in the past as an astronaut candidate during the Kennedy Administration, where he was not selected by NASA for upcoming missions, he never gave up, and now he’s floating around up there, grinning ear to ear. Landing back on Earth, he couldn’t contain his excitement, calling the experience “fantastic” and “life-changing.” It was like he didn’t even know he needed it until he got a taste of it.

Reflecting on his journey, Dwight talked about seeing the Earth from space and how it looked like someone had pulled down curtains over the windows. It was a moment of awe and wonder that he’ll never forget. And beyond his personal triumph, his trip represents a step forward in making space more accessible to regular folks like him.

Looking ahead, Dwight’s already thinking about going back up and seeing even more of our planet from orbit. His story is a reminder that dreams can come true, no matter how long it takes or what obstacles you face along the way. And as he continues to inspire others with his incredible journey, he’s showing us all that the sky’s not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

Source: npr.org