April 05

Births - Explorers & Adventurers

1949day.year

Judith Resnik

(1949 - 1986)

American engineer and astronaut

American engineer and NASA astronaut, the second American woman in space, who died aboard the Challenger.

Judith Resnik was born in 1949 in Akron, Ohio, and earned her PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland. Selected by NASA in 1978, she became the second American woman to fly in space on the STS-41-D mission in 1984. Resnik logged over 145 hours in orbit, contributing to satellite deployment and scientific experiments. Known for her intellect and calm under pressure, she was slated for additional missions when she tragically lost her life in the Challenger disaster in 1986. Her dedication to exploration and science continues to inspire future generations.

Judith Resnik

1950day.year

Franklin Chang Díaz

Costa Rican-Chinese American astronaut and physicist

Costa Rican-American physicist and former NASA astronaut who holds the record for most Space Shuttle missions.

Born in 1950 in San José, Costa Rica, Franklin Chang Díaz earned a PhD in applied plasma physics before joining NASA in 1980. Over his career, he flew on seven Space Shuttle flights—the most of any astronaut—logging over 1,600 hours in space. Chang Díaz contributed to science experiments ranging from life sciences to materials processing. After leaving NASA, he founded Ad Astra Rocket Company to develop advanced plasma propulsion systems for deep-space exploration. He has received numerous honors, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and continues to push the boundaries of space travel.

Franklin Chang Díaz