© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

First Black astronaut flies in space after 63-year wait

Season 2024 Episode 144 | 5m 52s

More than 60 years after he was selected but ultimately passed over to become this country’s first Black astronaut, Ed Dwight finally made it to space. He flew aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket as it skimmed space on a roughly ten-minute flight. Geoff Bennett sat down with Dwight to discuss his long journey.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
February 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Millions on East Coast blanketed by most snowfall some have seen in years
Killing of cartel leader sparks retaliatory violence in parts of Mexico
News Wrap: Judge blocks release of a report on Trump's handling of classified documents
February 23, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Kurdish general on peace deal with Syria and hopes for the future
The iconic photographs of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games
Team USA caps golden run at the Winter Olympics
Olympics trip raises questions about Patel's use of taxpayer dollars
Most Americans say country worse off than a year ago, new poll shows