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Challenger crew honored with Space Medal of Honor NASA NEWS RELEASE Posted: July 25, 2004
"The Challenger tragedy was a defining moment in American history and demonstrated that achieving great things often comes with great sacrifice. We honor the bravery and dedication of the crew and their families with a renewed commitment to the causes to which they devoted their lives -- exploration and discovery," said Administrator O'Keefe. "Not a single day goes by that the entire NASA family doesn't think about the incredible spirit of these brave explorers. We will never forget our fallen astronaut heroes and their courageous families." The Space Shuttle Challenger's crew of seven astronauts died in the explosion of their spacecraft during the launch of STS-51-L on January 28, 1986, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The explosion occurred 73 seconds into the flight, as a result of a leak in one of two Solid Rocket Boosters that ignited the main liquid fuel tank. The STS-51-L crew included Commander Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, Mission Specialists Judith A. Resnik, Ronald E. McNair and Ellison S. Onizuka, Payload Specialist Gregory B. Jarvis and Sharon Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher to fly in space. The Congressional Space Medal of Honor was authorized by Congress in 1969 to recognize "any astronaut who in the performance of his duties has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and mankind." Astronauts who have been honored with the Congressional Space Medal include John Young, Jim Lovell, Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Shannon Lucid, William Shepherd and Senator John Glenn. In all, a total of 27 astronauts have now been honored. Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong received the very first Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1978 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. |
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Apollo 11 safely returns to Earth, making a parachute-assisted splashdown in the ocean. (3min 57sec file)
Armstrong and Aldrin gather lunar samples and conduct experiments during their moonwalk. (2min 27sec file)
The Apollo 11 astronauts narrate footage of their historic landing on the moon and describe the technical details of the descent. (22min 02sec file)
The Eagle lunar module returns to the orbiting command module and the Apollo 11 astronauts head back to Earth. (5min 33sec file)
The Apollo 11 astronauts and other dignitaries hold a special 35th anniversary celebration in Washington on July 20. Hear from Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins, Walter Cronkite, NASA Administrator O'Keefe and others. (76min 12sec file)
The "Eagle" lunar lander undocks from the "Columbia" command module in preparation for landing. (1min 21sec file)
The Apollo 11 spacecraft "Eagle" lands on the Moon 35 years ago, delivering Armstrong and Aldrin. (2min 04sec file)
Famed CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite recalls the Apollo 11 mission in this interview on NASA Television. (3min 15sec file)
An interview with astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin takes viewers in a retrospective through the Apollo 11 mission. (30min 39sec file)