The New Guys: The Historic Class of Astronauts That Broke Barriers - NSS Space Forum

Explore the groundbreaking 1978 NASA astronaut class that revolutionized space travel in this National Space Society Space Forum featuring author Meredith Bagby. Discover the untold stories of "the new guys," who shattered barriers by including the first American woman, African American, Asian American, Jewish person, mother, LGBTQ+ individual, and married couple in NASA's ranks. Gain exclusive insights into the experiences of pioneering female astronauts Kathy Sullivan, Anna Fisher, and Rhea Seddon, as well as the challenges faced by the first African American men to fly, Guy Bluford and Fred Gregory. Learn about the class's pivotal role in the Space Shuttle program, their triumphs and tragedies, and how they shaped the future of space exploration. Delve into the four-decade history of the space shuttle, from its ambitious conception to its technical achievements and disasters. Understand how this diverse group of astronauts helped build the dream of a new American century in space, bringing all of humanity along for the journey.