Politics stood in Ed Dwight’s way of being the lone black astronaut in the 1960s. He was ultimately able to launch into space in 2024, when he was ninety years old.
Space travel has entered a new era for humanity. Rich people can acquire the title of “astronaut” for a minimum of $450,000 (£360,000) after a quick sub-orbital trip to and from the edge of space and up to 10 minutes of weightlessness above Earth.
Currently operated by Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, these near-space flights typically include a single crew member whose name and narrative make headlines—and frequently receive a free ride.
On the inaugural passenger flight of Blue Origin in 2021, an 82-year-old pilot and former.
William Shatner, an actor and former Star Trek captain, was the one a few months later. It was Ed Dwight, on May’s eighth short-duration voyage by Blue Origin from Earth to the edge of space and back.
Renowned sculptor Dwight’s creations can be found in museums and as public works of art all throughout the country. He was ninety, like Shatner, but it was more than his age or the sculptures that were worthy of notice.
