20 years ago to date...

[Slater]

On January 28, 1986, the world watched happily as the US launched the Challenger into space. Five men and two women, including Christa McAuliffe, a school teacher, were on board the Challenger at liftoff. Everything was going well as the shuttle took off, soon to reach a velocity of a few thousand feet per second. Ground crews monitored the Challenger's progress carefully and radio contact was maintained between the ship and the ground to make sure that everything was going alright.

And then, 73 seconds after launch, just after the Challenger began to throttle-up, the breif but sickening sound of the radio's connection terminating came through to the control room, and the ship disappeared in a massive fireball as millions of people watched, dumbstruck by what they had witnessed. Joy turned into terror, sadness, and frustration as NASA reported that the vehicle, indeed, was lost.

On that day, we lost 7 brave souls who were willing to further explore the great depths of space.

As I remember this, I feel a strange sadness inside of me. I wasn't even born at that time, so I never knew what had happened there as some of you may have. However, I can imagine that it must have been... shocking to say the least.

May all CAAers remember to today honour those 7 men and women who gave their lives in an attempt to further our knowledge of God's Universe.

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Video Link

[Lynx]

Thanks for reminding us. They will be remembered.

[Lady Macbeth]

I got a "rude awakening" reminder of it at about 2 AM when I went to check the news, because the now-infamous photograph was on their front page.

I was watching the launch live on television when it happened - I was an avid fan of the space program and particularly excited to see a civilian - and a teacher on top of it - traveling into space.

I don't remember much about that day except the exact moments of the explosion; my mom said I was in shock, and that I cried for a week afterwards. I still cry today when I watch footage of the explosion or see those photographs - or even think too long about it. I relive the stopping of my heart and the complete shock that my body went into over and over again.

This year, for the 20th time.

I always manage to forget about the anniversary, until it sneaks up on my every year.

CNN had an article up earlier this week about some girls who made a video documentary of Christa McAullife's life and eventual tragic journey on Challenger. I was really glad to see that it was done in time for the 20th anniversary - it's something that I hope actually gets widespread availability so that future generations won't forget the tragedy.

[peacetracati]

May they forever rest in peace.

[KhakiBlueSocks]

May they forever rest in peace.

Trust me: They're happier in heaven than they EVER were or ever could be here. They're at peace...believe it.

[livewire]

I was only five years old when the tragedy happened....
so, I do not remember it...
God bless them and may they rest in peace.

[Sonic_13]

It is a horrific thing. Space exploration can be really dangerous. I can find comfort knowing their souls are at rest.

[rocklobster]

The worst thing about this: All those heartless jokes about the teacher. If anyone wants to know them, I'll p.m. them to you. They're way too cruel to post on a Christian-oriented message board

[EireWolf]

... Then why would you want to share them at all?

Incidentally, the Challenger explosion happened on my 10th birthday. I remember walking into the living room -- the news was on and my mom was crying.