Monday, January 28, 2013

Liftoff + 27 Years

11:38 January 28, 1986  Liftoff, and one minute, thirteen seconds from the disintegration of Space Shuttle Challenger, claiming the lives of seven crew members, and forever etching on our minds and in our hearts the knowledge that man's most daring efforts are not always successful.

Crew



One of my staff members was a candidate for the position Teacher in Space which was filled by Christa McAuliffe.

9 comments:

Jim Grey said...

I was on the air when this happened, and broke the news to my listeners.

Shelly said...

I remember that day well. My uncle was a research scientist at that time with NASA and it was a deeply felt tragedy, most of all there.

Lin said...

Was it really that long ago? Wow. What a horrible day that was.

vanilla said...

Jim, one of those unforgettable days, and not a memory to be cherished.

Shelly, for NASA,
a terrible blow; but for the nation as well.

Lin, yes, that long ago. Tempus fugit.

Vee, certain things are just etched in our memories.

Secondary Roads said...

I remember that Tuesday well. I watched the launch live and was confused when it didn't look like the other launches I had seen. Then came shock and grief over the tragic loss of those brave and intrepid souls.

vanilla said...

Chuck, my staff and I were stunned. One of our own might have been in that situation. Yet, yes, seven of our own were lost that day.

Pearl said...

I was alone in a hotel room in San Diego the day that happened...

Pearl

Sharkbytes said...

We were called by a friend to tell us to turn on the TV. A very sad day.

vanilla said...

Pearl, I suspect most Americans who are past (shall I say 35?) recall where they heard this awful news.

Shark, the image of the breakup will not be scrubbed from my mind.