25 Years After Disaster, Keeping The Challenger Spirit Alive

On the morning of Jan. 28, 1986, there was a collective gasp as Americans watched the space shuttle Challenger break apart just 73 seconds after it lifted off from Florida on what was supposed to be a mission of discovery and education.

All seven astronauts died, including Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher chosen to go into space.

In a speech from the Oval Office that night, President Ronald Reagan sought to comfort and reassure a shaken nation.

“We’ve never lost an astronaut in flight. We’ve never had a tragedy like this. And perhaps we’ve forgotten the courage it took for the crew of the shuttle,” said Reagan. “But they, the Challenger seven, were aware of the dangers and overcame them and did their jobs brilliantly.”

Reagan was keenly aware as he spoke that many schoolchildren had watched the tragedy unfold live on TV in their classrooms just hours earlier. The president spoke directly to them.

“I know it’s hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen. It’s all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It’s all part of taking a chance and expanding man’s horizons. The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted — it belongs to the brave.”

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