Scribd
Upload
8 views1 page

Teacher's Historic Space Launch Day

Christa McAuliffe woke up excited on launch day to become the first teacher in space. After several delays, she and the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger finally boarded for liftoff. However, shortly after launch there was an issue and the shuttle began plummeting towards the ocean, with the crew unable to regain control.

Uploaded by

api-347813789
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
8 views1 page

Teacher's Historic Space Launch Day

Christa McAuliffe woke up excited on launch day to become the first teacher in space. After several delays, she and the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger finally boarded for liftoff. However, shortly after launch there was an issue and the shuttle began plummeting towards the ocean, with the crew unable to regain control.

Uploaded by

api-347813789
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Tuesday January 28, 1986

I woke up a bit earlier than usual today, but sprang out of bed
anyway. I got ready quickly and exited the dorms. I am going to be the first
teacher in space! I am both excited and nervous at the same time. I was
taken to a room where I ate a breakfast of steak and eggs, the traditional
launch morning breakfast.
Today is finally launch day after 4 delays, including one yesterday. The
technicians had to fix a broken hatch handle before we could liftoff. Not being
able to do so caused the launch to be pushed to today. We had all waited in
the shuttle for 5 hours! This delay and the other launch cancellations before
added to my uneasiness. Before I knew it, we were in the high speed
elevator. Of course by we I mean the crew members.
Commander- Francis Scobee
Pilot- Mike Smith
Mission Specialists- Judith Resnik, Ellison Onizuka,
Ronald McNair
Payload Specialists- Gregory Jarvis and me, Christa
McAuliffe
We entered the White Room and then onto the tower. A
technician helped us board the shuttle and told us to watch the ice. Finally, it
was time to enter the shuttle. One of the technician's handed me a beautiful
red apple; I told him to save it for me and took my seat. I dont remember
much after that, its a blur of excitement and anticipation. Before long I felt
the rumble of the engine and we blasted off. Uh Oh, Smith says and his
words couldnt be more accurate; were plummeting towards the ocean as Mike
and Francis try to steer the shuttle and Judith activates emergency air
bottles. I can see the ocean growing closer and closer..

You might also like