Guy Bluford, First African American in Space: 40 Years of Inspiration

In 1983, NASA’s Guy Bluford broke barriers and made history as the first African American astronaut in space. Hear from Bluford himself, see footage from his Space Shuttle missions, and celebrate the milestones that forever changed the landscape of space exploration. Bluford’s first mission was STS-8, which launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Aug. 30, 1983. This was the third flight for the Challenger orbiter, and the first mission with a night launch and night landing. During the mission, the STS-8 crew deployed the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-1B), operated the Canadian-built RMS with the Payload Flight Test Article (PFTA), operated the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System (CFES) with live cell samples, conducted medical measurements to understand biophysiological effects of spaceflight, and activated four “Getaway Special” canisters. STS-8 completed 98 orbits of the Earth in 145 hours before landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on Sept. 5, 1983.

What is said in the film

Breaking Barriers Reaching for the stars A legacy in space exploration It started with ONE Aug. 30, 1983 I'm Guy Bluford. I was excited about flying in space. I really wanted to climb into this vehicle and rocket off. We have ignition.

And we have liftoff. 32 minutes after the hour and the shuttle has cleared the tower. Bluford made history as the first African American in space. 688 hours in space, 4 missions, every moment a milestone I decided as a kid that I wanted to be an aerospace engineer. So I chased the dream.

Going to NASA was an opportunity to learn about space. and so I was never awed by the difficulty I was awed by the opportunity. ♫♫♫ When you get on orbit, you realize how really small the planet was. That this planet is the only place that you can call home. One of the things that I wanted to do is not only be a role model for African Americans on the ground but also being a leader and helping pull other black astronauts into space with me.

I'm very grateful for those who come before me, but also those who have helped me along the way. CELEBRATING 40 YEARS One man changed the course of space history

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