Spaceflight and space vehicles are among the most complex processes and mechanisms attempted by human ingenuity.
Twenty five years ago today, seven astronauts lost their lives after their orbiter broke apart in midair during launch. Later
investigation determined
that "If the decisionmakers had known all of the facts, it is highly unlikely that they would have decided to launch 51-L on January 28, 1986." The loss of this spacecraft was the result of failures in both organizational processes and vital safety communications both within NASA and between NASA and its contractors.
These seven astronauts gave their lives that humanity might reach the stars.
Michael J. Smith, Pilot, Cptn USN (1945-1986)
Dick Scobee, Spacecraft Commander, Lt. Col USAF (1939-1986)
Dr. Ronald McNair, Mission Specialist 3, (1950-1986)
Ellison Onizuka, Mission Specialist 1, Lt. Col USAF (1946-1986)
Christa McAuliffe, Payload Specialist 1 (1948-1986)
Gregory Jarvis, Payload Specialist 2 (1944-1986)
Dr. Judith Resnik, Mission Specialist 2 (1949-1986)
High FlightOh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
-- John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
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