Guion Bluford — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Became the first African American to go to space in 1983 aboard the Orbiter Challenger on mission STS-8.
Serves as President and Founder of The Aerospace Technology Group since 2002.
Participated in four Space Shuttle flights between 1983 and 1992.
Retired as a Colonel from the United States Air Force (USAF), where he was an officer and fighter pilot.
Holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Laser Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Served on the boards of ENSCO, Inc., The Aerospace Corporation, and U.S. Space Foundation.

Biography

Guion Stewart Bluford Jr., born November 22, 1942, is an American aerospace engineer, retired United States Air Force (USAF) officer and fighter pilot, and former NASA astronaut. In 1983, as a member of the crew of the Orbiter Challenger on mission STS-8, he became the first African American to go to space. He participated in four Space Shuttle flights between 1983 and 1992, serving as a mission specialist on STS-8, STS-61-A, STS-39, and STS-53.