US Edition40 years after Challenger disaster, legacy of Christa McAuliffe continues to inspire
NASA and educators honor the Challenger crew's legacy by promoting safety, resilience, and STEM education, reflecting on the disaster’s impact on space exploration and teaching.
- On Jan. 28, 2026, the Johnson Space Center held memorial observances at the Astronaut Memorial Grove, where roses and U.S. flags honored Christa McAuliffe, middle school teacher and payload specialist.
- A ruptured O-ring in the right solid rocket booster caused the catastrophic failure on Jan. 28, 1986, ending the Space Shuttle Challenger mission minutes after launch and killing the crew.
- Cheryl McCoy, middle school science teacher at St. Anne Catholic School in Tomball, said the Challenger disaster shaped her worldview and now she encourages curiosity and resilience in Houston-area classrooms.
- Gene Kranz, former NASA flight director and Mission Control leader on the day of Challenger, joined the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 22 and paused at markers while this year’s observance included remarks by Cheryl McNair, widow of Challenger astronaut Ron McNair.
- Looking ahead to Artemis II, observers connected Challenger crew’s legacy to future missions and said the anniversary reminds a generation of enduring impact.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Lake City marks 40 years since native Ronald E. McNair died onboard Space Shuttle Challenger
LAKE CITY, S.C. (WBTW) -- This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger, where seven people lost their lives, including Lake City native Dr. Ronald E. McNair. McNair's family was in Lake City on Thursday with community members and South Carolina Superintendent Dr. Ellen Weaver to remember him and his legacy. Students [...]
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) History Office commemorated on Wednesday the seven astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Challenger shuttle 40 years ago, in an accident that marked a before and after in space missions.Read more
Former McAuliffe colleague reflects on 40th anniversary of Challenger disaster
Melanie Vickers, of Charleston, West Virginia, was one of 114 teachers in NASA’s Teacher in Space program. One of the teachers in Vickers training group was New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe, who was one of seven crew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger when it disintegrated following takeoff on Jan. 28, 1985.
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