In June 1967, the United States Air Force selected Major Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr. as an astronaut-pilot in their Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program.  He was the first black American selected for the astronaut program.  Unfortunately, Lawrence died in December of that year at age 32 in an airplane crash during which he was serving as an instructor. Join curator Cathleen Lewis as she discusses Major Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr.

Meet at the Museum "Great Seal", in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall on the first floor.

About the Ask an Expert lecture series: Every Wednesday at noon in the National Mall Building, a Museum staff member talks to the public about the history, collection, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition in the Museum.

  • Major Robert Lawrence, an African-American male pilot and pilot, poses outside of an aircraft in aviation gear. He is holding his helmet.
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    'In 1967, Air Force Major Robert H. Lawrence, Jr. was selected to become an astronaut in the Department of Defense's Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program (MOL). Lawrence, a pilot-scientist with a doctorate in nuclear chemistry, was killed in a tragic aircraft accident later that year.

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  • Major Robert Lawrence, an African-American male pilot and pilot, poses outside of an aircraft in aviation gear. He is holding his helmet.
How to attend

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

6th St. and Independence Ave SW. Washington, DC 20560