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NASA Marks 25th Anniversary of Challenger Disaster

Agency pays tribute to fallen astronauts

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 28, 2011 5:28 AM CST

(Newser) – NASA officials will gather at Kennedy Space Center today to mark the 25th anniversary of one of the worst disasters in the history of space travel. The space shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after take-off on Jan. 28, 1986, killing all seven astronauts aboard. The widow of Challenger commander Dick Scobee will be the featured speaker at today's ceremony, AP reports.

NASA chief Charlie Bolden paid tribute to all 17 of the agency's fallen astronauts at a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery yesterday, reports the Orlando Sentinel. "They've all left their legacy of exploration for us to follow. They all lived and breathed NASA," said Bolden, a former astronaut. "They would tell you, if they came here today, to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so the things we learn and the things we do benefit all humankind."

US space shuttle Challenger lifts off 28 January 1986 from a launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, 72 seconds before its explosion killing it crew of seven.
US space shuttle Challenger lifts off 28 January 1986 from a launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, 72 seconds before its explosion killing it crew of seven.   (Getty Images)
Teacher and space shuttle astronaut Sharon Christa McAuliffe, is shown in a portrait released by NASA. McAuliffe and the entire crew were lost 73 seconds after launch when a booster rocket failed.
Teacher and space shuttle astronaut Sharon Christa McAuliffe, is shown in a portrait released by NASA. McAuliffe and the entire crew were lost 73 seconds after launch when a booster rocket failed.   (Getty Images)
This 1986 photo provided by NASA shows the crew of the space shuttle Challenger. From left are Ellison Onizuka, Mike Smith, Christa McAuliffe, Dick Scobee, Greg Jarvis, Ron McNair and Judith Resnik.
This 1986 photo provided by NASA shows the crew of the space shuttle Challenger. From left are Ellison Onizuka, Mike Smith, Christa McAuliffe, Dick Scobee, Greg Jarvis, Ron McNair and Judith Resnik.   (AP Photo/NASA)
In this Jan. 28, 1986 file photo, the space shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after lifting off from Kennedy Space Center.
In this Jan. 28, 1986 file photo, the space shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after lifting off from Kennedy Space Center.   (AP Photo/Bruce Weaver, File)
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NASA's video of the launch and explosion.   (airboyd)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
then-came-jen
Jan 28, 2011 7:04 AM CST
As President Reagan said at a memorial for the Challenger fallen, "Sometimes, when we reach for the stars, we fall short. But we must pick ourselves up again and press on despite the pain." My heart is with those who forfeited their lives so that our world could continue to learn and explore - the crew members of Space Shuttle Challenger, as well as the crew members of Apollo 1 and Space Shuttle Columbia.
Aitchondo
Jan 28, 2011 6:22 AM CST
One of those, "You know where you were when you heard the news" things. Heroes and they never knew it. RIP guys.
anothernewsjunkie
Jan 28, 2011 5:37 AM CST
RIP, you brave men and women.
US • Science

 
NASA • astronauts • space shuttle • Challenger

 
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