184-r-42-(Former NASA astronaut Jon McBride reading names of astronauts who died in the Challenger disaster, during memorial service at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex)-“S. Christa McAuliffe”-Former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, struggling with his emotions, read the names of the astronauts who died in the Challenger disaster”.
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If you were alive 30 years ago chances are you know exactly where you were when the space shuttle Challenger blew up killing all seven people on board.
“I remember that day, being at the Johnson Space Center”, Garneau said.
The tragedy unfolded on January 28, 1986 as Challenger launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As part of the schools’ Space Flight Awareness Week, the students also created multiple wall murals in remembrance of the shuttle. It is believed the astronauts died nearly instantly.
The explosion was broadcast live around the globe, marking one of the darkest days for NASA and space travel as a whole.
Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, marked 30 years since Challenger (mission STS-51L), with seven crew members onboard, exploded merely 73 seconds after launch.
One of those astronauts was educator Christa McAuliffe, who competed with thousands of teachers across the nation, to become the first teacher in space. “She challenged herself, and she challenged those around her, so we remember (her memory) as a way to fulfill our dreams for our students”.
An investigation later determined that a faulty “O-ring” seal on a rocket booster allowed hot gas to escape, leading to the explosion.
Administrators at the Learning Center say the Challenger was about inspiring, exploring, and learning.
Despite the Challenger’ disaster, Garneau said the lure of space remained strong.
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“For them to understand what went before them and to have the opportunity to know what could be is really helpful”, said Wallace.
