Biography of Challenger Crew

On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger lifted off from Kennedy Space Center carrying seven remarkable explorers: Francis Scobee, Michael Smith, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe—the first teacher in space. Seventy-three seconds later, families watching proudly saw the bright plume become a gentle Y in the Florida sky. All seven passed away together, reaching for the stars. Their mission of discovery and education touched hearts worldwide. Memorials at Arlington and the Kennedy Space Center honor their enthusiasm and sacrifice. “The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave,” President Reagan said. Their spirit continues to inspire young dreamers to look upward with wonder.