Trousers, In-Flight Suit, Guy Bluford, STS-8

Astronaut Guion S. "Guy" Bluford, Jr. wore these clothes during the six-day Space Shuttle STS-8 mission aboard Challenger in August-September 1983, when he became the first African American in space. As a mission specialist in the five-member crew, Dr. Bluford participated in delivering a communications satellite into orbit, operating the Remote Manipulator System arm, and performing experiments. Early Shuttle astronauts wore a standard issue wardrobe of identical jackets, trousers, shirts, and other items. The zippered pockets and velcro strips were helpful for securing small items in weightlessness. NASA presented Dr. Bluford's in-flight suit to the Museum shortly after the STS-8 mission.