Remember the Teacher in Space Project, 1985? Or do you remember the teacher, at least? Her name was Christa McAuliffe, and around 40 schools around the globe are reminded of her every day. She was one of the seven deaths, and the only civilian casualty, that resulted from the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986. But what else was she?
She was a teacher, and a mother. A social studies teacher, like Mr. Stewart, at middle schools and high schools alike. McAuliffe, née Corrigan, was born in Massachusetts and grew up during the Space Age, one of her greatest inspirations. Her favorite role was that of an educator, and her students would become well learned in the law, economics, and history, as well as The American Woman. She most definitely served as a strong example for what the American woman might look like, becoming the first civilian out of 11,000 applicants to be selected to fly into space. The selection committee explained why they chose her: one NASA official described her "infectious enthusiasm" and another noted her great balance of features.
Reagan created the project initially for the purpose of gathering the public's attention and interest toward the space shuttle trials—McAuliffe did it all for the same reason, of course with excitement for space travel as well. And indeed, schoolchildren worldwide were tuned in to watch the legendary space flight with a civilian onboard. It must be understood that as McAuliffe stepped aboard the vessel, Americans across the country were getting on too. So, when 73 seconds into the flight, the entire shuttle combusted on live television, it was a national tragedy.
A presidential commission was formed to uncover the problem, and they would soon learn that some pressure seals had inadequately served their purpose due to the weather that day. But the nation would not let Christa McAuliffe die in vain. Buildings worldwide are named after her, including schools like the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center in Utah. There are scholarships additionally titled for her. She's been awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and has been inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame. I could go on for a while.
McAuliffe once said, "If I can get some student interested in science, if I can show members of the general public what's going on up there in the space program, then my job's been done." When I consider the national attention she was able to bring to the space program and to the capabilities of civilians with passions and perseverance, when I note how many times her story has been and will continue to be shared, when I realize I looked into everything about space travel as I researched for this article... I think she's done a pretty good job.
McAuliffe was a really inspirational and courageous woman and I liked how you talked about how she inspired many students and civilians. I think she is a great symbol for all Americans and definitely brought a lot of attention to the space program.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you shined light on one of the first women to go to space - and a civilian too!
ReplyDeleteI liked that you were able to show what an impressive women she and what an impact she made. It very impressive that she was chosen to be a part of the flight but very tragic that she died. It is, however, nice to know that she hasn't been forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you showed how dedicated she was to trying to get people to love science. Though it was unfortunate that the accident occurred, I think it did spread some light on the space program. Her death got the attention of many Americans, and couldn't been a factor to why the space program took off like it did.
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting post. I liked how you focused on what she was other than an astronaut. I also really liked your reflection at the end of your post.
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