What to Remember on Challenger Anniversary

Thirty years ago, January 28 1986 is the day the world witnessed one of the biggest tragedies in space programme history and NASA’s first in-flight tragedy.

Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire introduced a resolution Thursday honoring the Challenger crew, including Concord High School teacher Christa McAuliffe.

“When the teacher in space was going to fly, she was very interested in teaching a lesson about the geography of the Earth, the scene from space, so I worked with Christa McAuliffe to help plan that lesson”, said Dr. Wood. He was at Kennedy Space Center for Challenger’s launch and had gotten to know not only McAuliffe, but a few of the other astronauts on the doomed flight. Among the seven-member crew, who were all lost, was Kalpan Chawla, the first Indian-born woman in space.

Now director of Kennedy Space Center, Cabana was among the speakers during a ceremony marking the anniversary, a somber presentation that included former astronauts, family members of the victims and local officials.

McAuliffe, who works in education technology in ME, said having his own two sons there with him – ages 6 and 8 – made it easier. The accident was caused by a o-ring in a rocket booster which allowed hot gas to escape. igniting the flames.

Yet they remember her most for the bravery she showed in her pursuit of space. The second generation “can now speak for our family and speak for the nation”, she said, adding that she’s looking forward to these grown astronauts’ children “sharing their stories, their beliefs and their leadership”.

Administrators at the Learning Center say the Challenger was about inspiring, exploring, and learning.

Teachers Christa McAuliffe and Barbara Morgan were selected from a pool of around 11,000 applicants to the program. He had flown on three shuttle missions and was mission commander on the Challenger’s previous mission. “Not every day do people lose their lives to do what they love”.

The anniversary of that tragedy, combined with those of Apollo 1 and Columbia, are why NASA is honoring its fallen astronauts today.