Christa McAuliffe — Photos
Christa McAuliffe was a teacher and astronaut who was set to the first teacher in space. She was a teacher in New Hampshire and taught social studies. She tragically died at the age of 37 when the Challenger space shuttle broke apart 73 seconds on Jan. 28, 1986. Christa was one of 7 astronauts who perished during the flight. During the mission, Christa was going to conduct experiments and teach lessons to her students from space. In addition to being the first teacher in space, she was always going to be the first private citizen in space. After being selected to participate in the NASA Teacher in Space Project, Christa underwent training before the launch. She is survived by her husband Steven, and two kids, Scott and Caroline. Christa was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 2004. See more photos of Christa in our gallery.
Christa McAuliffe With Her Kids
Christa McAuliffe rides with her children, Caroline and Scott, during a parade down Main Street in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1985. Jan. 28 is now known as Christa McAuliffe Day in New Hampshire.
Christa McAuliffe Before An Orientation Flight
Christa McAuliffe ahead of an orientation flight aboard one of the T-28 NASA training planes on Sept. 30, 1985. The pilot of the jet was the commander for the January flight, Dick Scobee.
Christa McAuliffe In A Shuttle Simulator
Christa McAuliffe in the commander’s seat on the flight deck of a shuttle simulator at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Christa was going to teach lessons from space onboard the Challenger.
Christa McAuliffe With Her Challenger Crewmates
The Challenger 7 flight crew: Ellison S. Onizuka; Mike Smith; Christa McAuliffe; Dick Scobee; Gregory Jarvis; Judith Resnik; and Ronald McNair. All 7 astronauts died when the Challenger broke apart.
