Space exploration and Black history are intertwined in several significant ways. Here are some key points:

1. Hidden Figures: The movie "Hidden Figures" brought to light the contributions of African American women mathematicians, including Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who worked at NASA and played essential roles in the success of the early space missions. Their calculations were critical in sending astronaut John Glenn into orbit around Earth in 1962.

2. Guion Bluford: In 1983, Guion Bluford became the first African American astronaut to travel to space. He flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger and went on to complete a total of four spaceflights during his career.

3. Mae Jemison: In 1992, Mae Jemison made history as the first African American woman to travel to space. She flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour, becoming an inspiration to many young girls interested in pursuing careers in science and space exploration.

4. Charles F. Bolden Jr.: Charles F. Bolden Jr. is a retired United States Marine Corps Major General who became the first African American to serve as the NASA Administrator from 2009 to 2017. Bolden was also a former astronaut who flew on four space shuttle missions.

5. Legacy of Diversity: Despite facing barriers and discrimination, African Americans have made significant contributions to the field of space exploration. Their achievements stand as a testament to their talent, determination, and resilience, and have helped pave the way for future generations of Black scientists, engineers, and astronauts.

Overall, the history of African Americans in space exploration is a story of perseverance, excellence, and breaking down racial barriers in pursuit of knowledge and exploration beyond Earth's atmosphere.