Guion Bluford

Guion Stewart Bluford Jr. (born November 22, 1942) is a pioneering American aerospace engineer, retired United States Air Force (USAF) officer, and former NASA astronaut. He holds the distinction of being the first African-American to travel into space.

Early Life and Education

Guion Bluford was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He developed an early interest in aviation and pursued this passion through formal education. Bluford earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1964. He continued his education at the Air Force Institute of Technology, where he received both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in aerospace engineering.

Military Career

Bluford enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he trained as a fighter pilot. He flew 144 combat missions during the Vietnam War as an F-4C fighter pilot. His military service earned him several honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal.

NASA Career

Bluford was selected as a NASA astronaut in January 1978, as part of NASA astronaut group 8. This cohort included a significant number of minority and female candidates, thanks in part to the recruitment efforts led by Nichelle Nichols, aimed at diversifying the astronaut corps.

Space Missions

• STS-8: Guion Bluford made history on this mission as the first African-American in space. The mission launched on August 30, 1983, aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, and was primarily tasked with deploying a communications satellite and conducting scientific experiments.

• STS-61-A: On this mission, Bluford served as a mission specialist. Known as the D-1 Spacelab mission, it was notable for being the first to include eight crew members, the most to fly into space on a single mission at that time.

• STS-39: Bluford was again a mission specialist. This mission was the first unclassified Department of Defense shuttle mission and involved research in the fields of atmospheric and solar physics.

• STS-53: His final spaceflight was part of a mission that launched a secret payload for the Department of Defense.

Legacy and Honors

Guion Bluford has been widely recognized for his contributions to space exploration and his groundbreaking role as an African-American astronaut. Among his honors, Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy West in Baltimore is named in his honor, acknowledging his commitment to education and STEM fields.

In 2021, a building on The Pennsylvania State University's main campus in its Innovation Park was named after Bluford, further cementing his legacy within the academic community that helped launch his career.

Related Topics

• Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space.
• Ronald McNair, another notable African-American astronaut.
• Space Shuttle Challenger.
• Vietnam War.

Bluford's pioneering journeys and technical achievements continue to inspire many in the fields of aerospace and beyond.