Schools
Former NASA Astronaut To Speak To McAuliffe Charter Students
Former NASA Astronaut Joe Tanner will give the keynote address at the Framingham-based school to mark the 30th Anniversary of Challenger.
Students at Framingham’s McAuliffe Charter School will honor the memory of the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger and celebrate the wonder of space science and technologies at a special ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy on Thursday, January 28.
Guests will hear a keynote address from former NASA Astronaut Joe Tanner, who trained Christa McAuliffe for her mission to be the first teacher in space.
Tanner was part of the crew which installed the first solar arrays on the International Space Station and has worked on the Hubble Telescope, along with other missions which have contributed to him completing several hours of space walks.
He will address the ceremony from his office in Colorado via Skype. The January 28 event begins at 5:45 p.m.
In addition, 8th grade scholars will present results from their learning expedition, To Space and Back, focused on space program technologies which have been repurposed for commercial uses.
Their presentation will highlight examples of how scientists have used space research to improve our life on earth.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan announced the Teacher in Space Project, and Framingham native, Christa McAuliffe was chosen to become the first teacher in space. NASA wanted to find a gifted teacher who could communicate with students while in orbit. In 1986 on January 28, the space shuttle Challenger exploded killed all on board, including McAuliffe.
This ceremony will show how McAuliffe’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of space scientists today.
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