Ed Dwight became the oldest astronaut to fly into space and the first Black astronaut in America in an age-defying joyful moment. Ed Dwight, 90, became the oldest person to reach the ultimate frontier in history on May 19, Sunday, when he launched into space on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule. Aside from his intense interest in astronomy, Dwight has a varied and multifaceted professional path. He has been inspiring others by breaking down limitations associated with age and living his aspirations. Dwight, who took off from West Texas on Sunday, became the oldest person to travel in space. He was joined by four US and French entrepreneurs and an accountant, and they would spend ten minutes weightless in Blue Origin's new space capsule before parachuting back to Earth.

Dwight was setting a record for the oldest space traveler when he purchased his space ticket, which was partially funded by the charity organization Space for Humanity, even though the details of the ticket were kept private. At the age of 90, Dwight broke the record set by Star Trek actor William Shatner, who was also a passenger aboard Blue Origin's space shuttle during its maiden crewed trip in 2021. Despite being selected as the first-ever black astronaut candidate by US President John F. Kennedy, Dwight had to wait 60 years to realize his ambition of space travel. He was taking into account Dwight's achievements in the 1960s as a proficient Air Force Pilot. Nevertheless, Dwight was not chosen for the NASA astronaut program in 1963 and was only chosen as the organization's first African American candidate for astronauts in 1978.


90-Year-Old Ed Dwight Becomes Oldest Person To Go To Space!
(Source: Google Images) 
 

However, despite being selected in NASA's astro program, Dwight was not selected for any space missions as Guion Bluford became the first African American to travel in space in 1983. 

After retiring from the military in 1966, Dwight chose a diverse and multi-faceted career pathway from IBM stints to construction company owner and even earned a master's degree in sculpting in the late 1970s. It was since then Dwight has dedicated his life to art and created many sculptures with the theme of Black History. His sculptures were also sent to space. Despite having diverse careers, Dwight's love for space never faded, and that's what led him to create history and break a record for traveling in space at the age of 90. When asked about the experience Dwight exclaimed "A life-changing experience." He also added, "I thought I didn't need this in my life. But now, I need it in my life. ... I am ecstatic."

His 90-year-old victory sends a strong message of inclusivity and the audacity to follow ambitions no matter one's age or background. His tale acts as a beacon, encouraging upcoming generations to explore farther and aim higher than before.

Takeaway ~ You Are Never Too Late To Start New Things ~ 

This is an idea that we see time and again. We tell ourselves that we are too old or too young to try something new. It can go beyond the age, but this feels somehow more limiting. Age is, after all, something seemingly objective. But in reality, age is nothing but a number, and we should not let it limit us too much. Starting with a negative mindset is likely to increase the chances of failure. You might never be able to achieve things not because you are incapable, but because you think you can’t do this. It’s not your age that’s limiting you, it’s your idea that it will.