Jan
28
(2006)
I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff on January 28, 1986. I can still remember seeing that horrific column of smoke and fire from the still-burning boosters. Damned frozen O-rings and dysfunctional communication in NASA.
Christa McAuliffe was to be the first schoolteacher in space, sent up as a payload specialist. She’s the one most remembered, but all seven crewmembers were lost in that tragic accident. I still shudder thinking of the ride they must have had, trapped in the cockpit as it fell to the water…
20 years later, and an additional Shuttle lost, and we’re now paralyzed by the need for safe access to space. The atmosphere of pioneering exploration has been replaced by an apparent desire to have a space program operate more like a commercial airline. Mankind would have never made it to space without being willing to take risks.
Comments
2 Responses to “20 Years after Challenger”
I still remember watching the shuttle blow up. I was in Jr. High, English class I think. We were so excited to see the launch with the first teacher in space… and then… BLAM! We were all in shock, crying, silent with grief. I think that’s the first time I remember having such a group mind experience. And with the second disaster just a few years back, it reminds me just how much we are novices at this whole space travel thing, and how we haven’t logged enough hours for us to really say we know what we’re doing. And yet, the courage and drive of our astronaut team is inspiring. Somebody’s got to go first, and I’m glad we’re putting our energy into this even if it’s highly dangerous. These are the heroes that will enable a better tomorrow.
that’s our generation’s Kennedy. hey, they’re building a space elevator in Arizona if i remember the news item correctly. up in seven years or so.