| The Challenger shuttle crew of seven astronauts
died tragically in the explosion of their spacecraft during the
launch of STS 51-L from the Kennedy Space Center about 11:40
a.m., EST, on January 28, 1986. The explosion occurred 73
seconds into the flight as a result of a leak in one of two
Solid Rocket Boosters that ignited the main liquid fuel tank.
The crewmembers of the Challenger represented a cross-section of
the American population in terms of race, gender, geography,
background, and religion. The explosion became one of the most
significant events of the century, as billions around the world
saw the accident on live television. Out of the ashes of the
disaster, Challenger Learning Centers were created. The
families of the 51-L crew decided to make a living memorial to
their loved ones. Based on Christa McAuliffe's mission,
Challenger Centers all over the world inspire the young
astronauts of tomorrow.
The Buehler Challenger and Science Center in Paramus, New
Jersey, was founded in 1994. It is the 21st Challenger
Center to be built and has one of the few double simulators in
the network.
The crew of shuttle mission 51-L were:
- Francis R. Scobee, Commander
- Michael J. Smith, Pilot
- Judith Resnick, Mission Specialist 1
- Ellison S. Onizuka, Mission Specialist 2
- Ronald E. McNair, Mission Specialist 3
- Gregory B. Jarvis, Payload Specialist 1
- Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Payload Specialist 2
Click
Here for Crew Information
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