Bluford was the first African American to fly in space and served as a mission specialist on four Space Shuttle flights. In recent editorials to newspapers in Ohio, Bluford highlights the state's role in space exploration and its impact on the state.

"NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field has long been an engine of American ingenuity. It has pioneered world-class research in aircraft engines dating back to the early 1940s. Glenn Research Center is a hybrid hub of technological work in both aeronautics and key elements of the nation's space program.

"This year, NASA celebrates five decades of achievement since its creation. Over those 50 years, Ohio has directly benefited from strengthening NASA's position of global aerospace leadership. That payback comes in the form of high-tech jobs throughout the state, as well as inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers."

Bluford went on to comment, "Ohio has produced more astronauts than any other state, including John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, and Neil Armstrong, the first person to step onto the Moon.

"As we move into the next era of space exploration, NASA Glenn is at the forefront, developing hardware and utilizing its test facilities to enable a new generation of space exploration systems. The center holds key roles within the Constellation Program -- the centerpiece of NASA's exploration mission for the 21st century," said Bluford.

Related Links
John H. Glenn Research Center
Coalition for Space Exploration
Space Tourism, Space Transport and Space Exploration News

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