35th Anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger Tragedy

January 28, 2021

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), released the following statement on the 35th anniversary of the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy:

"Today we recognize a solemn anniversary in New Hampshire and across the nation as we mark the loss of the Challenger crew, including New Hampshire's own Christa McAuliffe," said Congressman Pappas. "Thirty-five years ago, Christa McAuliffe became an inspiration to people all across our country, especially young women, who have since grown up to pursue careers in science, technology, math, and education. On the anniversary of this tragic day, I join all Granite Staters remembering the life and legacy of Christa McAuliffe and sharing my best wishes with her family, friends, former students, and colleagues. While it has been more than three decades since her passing, her inspiration and her legacy endures, and future generations of students will look up to her as a creator, a leader, and a dreamer."

The Space Shuttle Challenger crew included Christa McAuliffe, Dick Scobee, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Mike Smith, and Ellison Onizuka.

Congressman Pappas was a co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation to create a commemorative coin honoring Christa McAuliffe which was signed into law in 2019. The Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act of 2019 will mint a Christa McAuliffe silver coin to honor the Granite State teacher who tragically perished in the Space Challenger Disaster, after being selected to become the first civilian teacher in space. Furthermore, all surcharges collected by the Treasury will be donated to FIRST Robotics, a Manchester-based non-profit which seeks to engage and inspire young people, through mentor-based programs, to become leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In September 2019, Rep. Pappas spoke on the House floor honoring her memory and legacy and urging support for the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act. In December, Rep. Pappas helped unveil the coin's design.

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