New National Geographic documentary uncovers untold stories of Black astronauts in space

Film directors Lisa Cortes and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza wanted to make sure NASA’s Black astronauts had the opportunity to tell their own stories.

The directors collaborated with Black pilots, engineers and scientists to create National Geographic’s new documentary, “The Space Race.”  The film chronicles the careers of Ed Dwight, Ron McNair, Guion Bluford, Charles Bolden, Victor Glover and other pioneering Black astronauts.

On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” the directors talked with host Rose Scott about how they sought to tell the astronauts’ ongoing fight for social justice and equity, not just on Earth – but in space.