January 28, 1986
Beyond Vassar
The Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart shortly after lift-off, killing the crew aboard: Francis Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Gregory Jarvis and Christa McAuliffe.
President Smith had served on a panel that aided in the selection of Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, for this mission.