Christa McAuliffe was a school teacher selected to be the first citizen in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. However, the shuttle exploded shortly after launch, killing all seven astronauts aboard including McAuliffe. She had dreams of inspiring students by communicating with them from space and improving education through technology. Her backup, Barbara Morgan, later fulfilled those dreams by successfully communicating with students from space and becoming a qualified NASA astronaut.

1. Christa McAuliffe

3. Early Life Born September 2, 1948 Framingham Interest in space School Teacher

4. Disaster Selected to be aboard the Challenger First citizen in space Space shuttle burst into flames 6 other astronauts

5. Mourning Students watched on television Honored “American Hero” Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Library

6. Dreams Communicate with students Improve technology Inspire students

7. Barbara Morgan Christa’s backup Honored Christa The Endeavor

8. Fulfilling Dreams Successfully communicated with students Qualified astronaut Boise State University