Remembering the Challenger Disaster

Twenty-nine years ago today, January 28, 1986, the world witnessed a tragedy; the space shuttle Challenger "killed seven crew members when, just 73 seconds after launch, a booster engine failed and caused the shuttle to break apart in midair" (Schupak, 2015).

Friends began revisiting their memories of where they were on that fateful day, which encouraged me to do the same on this blog.

I was in third grade in Franklin, NH.  The entire building was constructed without "rooms"; the classes consisted of walls that did not reach the ceiling.  It was more like a cubicle at a workplace.  Needless to say, it became loud during school hours.  On January 28, 1986, our class went across the hall to the other classroom to watch the launch.  I remember thinking, "What is the big deal?"  However, it did get me away from classwork, so it was not too much of a big deal on that point.  Though, I did not realize how much of a big deal it would truly be.

We all sat down and talked until the program, if I recall correctly we were watching ABC for the news coverage, started.  The countdown began and we all counted with it.  I could hear children from all over the school counting along.  The shuttle rocketed upward.  There was cheers and applause.  Then, it happened.  Something I, and many others around the world, had not seen before.  The school became silent, as if the school had closed and no one was left in the building.  No one needed an explanation of what occurred.  It was a few minutes before the teachers started gathering all the students and shutting the televisions off.

I do not remember the rest of that day, but I can remember exactly where I was sitting in that classroom across the hall: third row back, on the right side of the television.  It is amazing how well we can remember certain events, and the particulars.  It is etched in my mind forever.

On this day, I wish to forward my heart and hugs to those who witnessed this event.  Moreover, I wish to send my thoughts and heart to the families of the seven:

Commander:
Francis R. Scobee

Pilot:
Michael J. Smith

Mission Specialists:
Judith A Resnik
Ellison S. Onizuka
Ronald E. McNair

Payload Specialists:
Gregory B Jarvis
Sharon Christa McAuliffe

Credits:
Schupak, A. (2015). On 29th anniversary of Challenger disaster, NASA's day of remembrance. www.cbsnews.com
Photo: Associated Press/Bruce Weaver