Above: Space Shuttle Challenger Crew (L-R): Teacher-in-Space Participant Christa McAuliffe, Payload Specialist Greg Jarvis, Mission Specialist Judy Resnik, Pilot Mike Smith, Mission Specialist Ron McNair, Commander Dick Scobee, and Mission Specialist Ellison Onizuka. Credit: NASA
Family members of the astronauts who were killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster gathered at the launch site at Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 28 to honor their loved ones on the 40th anniversary of the tragic event. The day was a solemn moment to honor the seven brave astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of exploration: Dick Scobee, Mike Smith, Ron McNair, Judy Resnik, Greg Jarvis, Christa McAuliffe, and Ellison Onizuka. NASA observed a moment of silence at 11:39 a.m. EST (the time of the accident) to commemorate the anniversary.
Ellison Onizuka, Hawaiʻi’s first astronaut, holds a special place in our community and in our work. His commitment to learning, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence continues to guide what we do. We remember and honor the Challenger crew, the inspiring lives they lived, and their continuing legacy of learning and discovery.