Ed Dwight

Edward Joseph Dwight Jr. is an American sculptor, author, retired test pilot, and astronaut. Dwight enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and was commissioned a lieutenant in 1955. In 1961, at the direction of President John F. Kennedy, he became the first African American to enter the Air Force training program from which NASA selected astronauts.

American Experience · S31, E3

Chasing the Moon, A Place Beyond the Sky

A Place Beyond the Sky begins in 1957 and tracks the early years of the space race as the United States struggles to catch up with the Soviet Union.
American Experience · S31, E4

Chasing the Moon, Earthrise

Earthrise covers 1964-1968, four heady, dangerous years in the history of the space race, focusing on the events surrounding the Apollo 1 and Apollo 8 missions.
American Experience · S31, E5

Chasing the Moon, Magnificent Desolation

Magnificent Desolation, which covers 1969-1970, takes Americans to the moon and back. The final episode also considers what happens to scientific and engineering programs - and to a country - after national goals have been achieved.

Ed Dwight

Guest Appearances