On August 30, 1983, mission specialist Guion “Guy” Bluford became the first African-American astronaut to fly in space. The dramatic night launch of space shuttle Challenger on the STS-8 mission (https://go.nasa.gov/2N8y4e8), 35 years ago today, marked an important milestone in American history. Bluford, who flew on three more shuttle missions during his NASA career, reflects on the significance of his first space flight.