Remembering the Space Shuttle Challenger
Categories: Military, News
It is no small request to ask of someone, to strap themselves to rockets and to have themselves hurtled into space, then to return, heating up like a supernova through the atmosphere. Every part of a shuttle mission was dangerous and could be potentially catastrophic. We’re not dealing with an “Oh well we messed up. Try to come back tomorrow and do better,” kind of mentality. Every single thing has to go right in order for astronauts to successfully complete their missions.
That’s why we call them brave. Because they basically riding shotgun on a giant bomb to a place where they have no immediate assistance should anything go wrong. It is them and them alone.
Thirty-three years ago, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds into flight, killing everyone aboard. When people ask why attention to detail is important, I point them towards this example…7 lives lost, millions of dollars lost all because of one faulty piece…
This day, remember the men and women of the space shuttle Challenger.
Francis Richard Scobee, United States Air Force pilot and Vietnam veteran who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Michael J. Smith, United States Navy and Vietnam veteran who also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Ronald McNair, Physicist who fought segregation, one of the leading physicists in the field of laser physics.
Ellison Onizuka, United States Air Force, test pilot, first Asian American to reach space.
Judith Resnik, pilot, engineer, front runner in biomedical engineering research, the second American woman in space.
Gregory Jarvis, United States Air Force, engineer.
Christa McAuliffe, gifted teacher (according to NASA via selection).
These men and women were pioneers, stretching our technology and the limitations of mankind to the border of what is known and unknown. Brave adventurers who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of advancing humanity.
Honor them, remember them, this day.
I was 10 years old and in the middle of 5th grade when these heroes lost their lives pushing the limits. Hooah and God Bless them. Bless all that have lost their lives in reaching to touch the stars.
SFC Avery(RET) I was at Ft, L. Wood at the reception station we were all in the dark that day. Flag was at half staff , did not know what the hell was going on till day or two later!
I still remember the day it happened and how incredibly sad I was. NASA was the pinnacle and almost every child then and before aspired to be an astronaut. It still breaks my heart to watch clips of this occurence. Traveling to Arlington and paying respect to these brave men and women was something I always wanted to do. This past year I got the chance to do that. May god rest their souls always and forever, and may god always protect our brave men and women in arm forces.
If this is something dear to your heart please know Dr. June Scobee Rodgers and the families of the Challenger Crew, along with former President George W. Bush, set up an education organization dedicated to helping students learn STEM subjects using simulated space programs nationwide. You can learn more and support the organization at https://www.challenger.org.
What a nice tribute to Daddy (Dick Scobee) and his crew members, John. Challenger accident anniversaries are so sad. It’s people like you who see the positive … remembering the way they lived, instead of the way they died … that make our loss lighter. Thank you! Per aspera ad astra 💫
Throughout my life, I’ve loved the mysteries of space and while my grades were not up to par to earn me a place in the Space Program, I am forever grateful that we had such brave, intelligent and intrepid men and women to lead the way to space for us. Your father and the crew of the Challenger, are forever and always on my heart.
I remember the day and would like to pay homage to their bravery. Without the sacrifices of these patriots progress wouldn’t have given us the benefit to do what is possible today.
This was such a sad moment, everyone that day was glued to their tv’s to watch an historic occasion. I was overwhelmed with emotion when we lost the shuttle, I just cried. I think it is wonderful how you are remembering these brave souls.