On January 28, 1986 the shuttle Challenger exploded 73 after take-off as all of America, and the world,watched killing all 7 crew members including the first member of the "Teacher in Space Program," Christa McAuliffe. Below is a video of the explosion as it happen (it is graphic, so you may not want your children to see it):
As I watched this video, I remember how devastated I felt that day, especially for Crista McAuliffe's children, Scott (age 9) and Caroline (age 6) and her husband Steven along with her students at Concord High School who were watching. I also remember how many school age children were watching that year as it was such a special occasion because a "regular" person was going up in space and that meant that any of us might have the opportunity to do so. I don't think I'll ever forget the sight and sound of the explosion, or the collective gasp when it happened.
As you go about your day today, please take a moment to remember those who gave their lives for exploration.
