‘The Space Race’ Documentary Unveils the Legacy of Black Astronauts Throughout History

National Geographic is gearing up to present an enthralling new documentary delving into the history of Black astronauts. Titled “The Space Race,” the documentary explores the Space Age by revisiting the experiences of Black astronauts, covering almost six decades of history. 

A recent featurette trailer provides a glimpse into the documentary, featuring Edward Joseph “Ed” Dwight Jr., who was chosen by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as the first Black astronaut, though he ultimately was not selected by NASA despite his significant contributions to the program. The featurette also includes insights from Black NASA astronauts Leland Melvin and Victor Glover.

Directed by Lisa Cortés and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, the documentary illuminates the narratives of Black pilots, scientists, and engineers who played pivotal roles at NASA from 1963 to the present day. 

“The Space Race” stands as a powerful reminder of the camaraderie forged in the face of shared struggles in predominantly white spaces, making it a profoundly moving and insightful exploration of the journey of Black astronauts.

The documentary is set to premiere on Disney+ in February 2024.

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