Challengers

They were the Challenger Seven, chosen from thousands for the 25th Shuttle Mission 51-L. They came together from all walks of life, seven men and women united by a dream. Francis R. Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Ellison S. Onizuka, Judith A. Resnik, Ronald E. McNair, Gregory B. Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe- they embodied the ideals of America- our spirit, our faith, our hope. On Jan. 28, 1986, the Challenger Seven crew lifted off from earth. At 11:39 a.m., when the shuttle exploded, seven lifetimes of ambitions, dreams and courage came to a tragic end. Here are the life stories of these seven remarkable individuals whose drive, ability and courage sent them into space. These pioneers will now take their place in American history, forever reminding us of our heritage to explore, to challenge, and in the words of Christa McAuliffe, to keep "reaching for the stars."