Gregory, Frederick Drew

1941- · Contribution: 1978-2005

Transportation

First African American to pilot a space shuttle and first to command a spaceflight; later became NASA's first Black Deputy Administrator and briefly served as the agency's first Black Acting Administrator; nephew of blood plasma pioneer Charles Drew, already profiled in this collection

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Transportation

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Quick facts

Born
1941-
Active since
1978-2005
Category
Transportation

Impact on the world

Gregory broke successive barriers, first Black shuttle pilot, first Black spaceflight commander, first Black deputy administrator, reshaping who could lead in human spaceflight.

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Sources

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    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

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