FAMU flag will go on space mission aboard Boeing CST-100 Starliner flight

The deep legacy of FAMU and 13 other notable historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will be onboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner as it embarks on its second mission to orbit for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Flags, small pennants and other items representing select HBCUs from throughout the U.S. will be part of the hundreds of pounds of cargo inside the uncrewed spacecraft for Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2).

This is all a part of Boeing’s effort to promote diversity in aerospace.

"Closing representation gaps in our company and our industry is a priority for Boeing, and inspiring diverse students to pursue careers in aerospace is an important part of that effort," said Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun. "By representing HBCUs on our Starliner mission, we are demonstrating our commitment to working with these institutions to advance equity and inclusion and help ensure a bright future for their students.”

For Andre Neal, the flags are more than a symbolic gesture. He's living proof that the recruitment efforts work. Neal graduated from FAMU in 2006 with a mechanical engineering degree and has been at Boeing ever since. 

"Just seeing it all come full circle and the commitment Boeing has made to closing that gap is eye opening," he said.

Neal helped design the panels that are underneath the astronaut seats in the Starliner spacecraft.

"When you see it there, you're like 'wow, I actually designed something on that."

With so much riding on this test flight, Neal is eagerly anticipating the launch and like a fan at a FAMU football game, he'll be representing his team.

"Oh yeah, I'll be doing my Rattler strike."