January 28

On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff, leading to the deaths of all seven crew members: Commander Dick Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, Mission Specialist Ellison Onizuka, Mission Specialist Judith Resnik, Payload Specialist Gregory Jarvis, Mission Specialist Ronald McNair, and Payload Specialist Christa McAuliffe, who would have been the first teacher in space. The accident sent shockwaves around the world and prompted a major investigation into NASA's safety protocols. The Rogers Commission uncovered flaws in the O-ring seals of the solid rocket boosters, leading to a 32-month hiatus in the shuttle program. Challenger's legacy led to significant changes in engineering oversight and safety culture at NASA. Memorials and scholarships honor the crew's contributions to space exploration and education.

Don Starkell was born in 1932 and became one of Canada's most daring explorers. He gained international acclaim by paddling over 17,000 miles from Winnipeg through the Americas to Belem, Brazil, setting a world record. Later, he embarked on an even more ambitious journey, covering thousands of miles to Australia. Starkell documented his adventures in several books, inspiring a generation of outdoor enthusiasts. His love of exploration and storytelling left a lasting legacy until his death in 2012.

Gregory Bruce Jarvis was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1944 and earned a Master's degree in electrical engineering. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a payload specialist for Hughes Aircraft Company. Selected by NASA in 1978, he flew aboard Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-51-L. During the launch on January 28, 1986, the Challenger tragically broke apart, claiming the lives of all seven crew members. Jarvis's dedication to engineering and space exploration continues to inspire future generations.

Christa McAuliffe was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1948 and earned degrees in education from Framingham State College and Bowie State University. She taught social studies at Concord High School and was selected out of over 11,000 applicants for the Teacher in Space Project. On her first mission aboard Challenger (STS-51-L), she planned to conduct live lessons from space to inspire students worldwide. Tragically, the shuttle disintegrated shortly after launch on January 28, 1986, and she and her fellow crew members perished. Her pioneering spirit and passion for teaching continue to influence educators around the globe.

Ronald Erwin McNair was born in Lake City, South Carolina, in 1950 and earned a Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He flew as a mission specialist on Space Shuttle Challenger’s STS-41-B and was the second African American astronaut to reach space. An accomplished saxophonist, he planned to play music from orbit as part of his mission. On January 28, 1986, Challenger exploded after liftoff, and McNair lost his life with the rest of the crew. His groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire scientists and space enthusiasts.

Ellison Shoji Onizuka was born in Kealakekua, Hawaii, in 1946 and earned degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. Selected by NASA in 1978, he first flew on Space Shuttle Discovery’s STS-51-C mission in 1985. As a mission specialist on Challenger’s STS-51-L flight, he was poised to conduct experiments and inspire students. The shuttle disintegrated shortly after launch on January 28, 1986, killing Onizuka and his crewmates. He is remembered for breaking barriers and his dedication to scientific exploration.

Judith Arlene Resnik was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1949 and earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland. She joined NASA in 1978 and made her first spaceflight on Discovery’s STS-41-D mission in 1984. As a mission specialist on Challenger’s STS-51-L flight, she conducted biomedical and materials science experiments. On January 28, 1986, the shuttle broke apart after launch, and Resnik lost her life in the tragedy. Her pioneering efforts opened doors for women in engineering and space flight.

Francis Richard 'Dick' Scobee was born in Cle Elum, Washington, in 1939 and earned his pilot wings in the U.S. Air Force. He was selected by NASA in 1978 and served as pilot on Challenger’s STS-41-C mission in 1984. Named mission commander for STS-51-L, he led the crew on the Challenger flight intended to deploy satellites and conduct experiments. On January 28, 1986, the shuttle disintegrated 73 seconds after liftoff, killing Scobee and all aboard. His leadership and dedication remain a testament to the courage of space explorers.

Michael John Smith was born in Beaufort, North Carolina, in 1945 and earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from MIT. He flew 32 combat missions during the Vietnam War as a U.S. Navy pilot before joining NASA in 1980. Selected as the pilot for Challenger’s STS-51-L mission, he was responsible for vehicle operations and testing. Tragedy struck on January 28, 1986, when the shuttle disintegrated shortly after launch, claiming his life and that of six crewmates. Smith’s professionalism and achievements continue to inspire generations of aerospace professionals.