In 1985, Christa McAuliffe Tells TODAY About Being A Challenger Crew Member | TODAY

Shortly after being announced as the first teacher to go into space, Christa McAuliffe appeared on TODAY in 1985. Speaking with Bryant Gumbel, McAuliffe described her disbelief at being part of the Challenger space shuttle crew and noted her desire to bring her own “wonder and that excitement” back to students. Asked about any fears, McAuliffe responded that “space flight today really seems safe.”

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In 1985, Christa McAuliffe Tells TODAY About Being A Challenger Crew Member | TODAY

[Yobbie]

10, 000 teachers applied and they got the number down to 10 finalists. Christa was the "lucky" one selected. Breaks my heart to see her brimming with pride and optimism, and knowing what lay ahead. She now has a home, safe beyond the stars.

[ac-ible]

My middle school science teacher applied and I’ll never forget the look on her face after we witnessed the tragedy on TV in class that day.

[bloodlegion]

That smile. Such a hearty and happy person. May she and her crew all Rest In Peace ❤️🙏🏻

[mm]

Sad 😔 she was excited and so close to her dreams becoming a reality. She was a great person/teacher, I’ve always been fascinated by her story and the tragedy.

[chaosknight]

1:21 "Space flight today really seems safe"

In hindsight, those words are so incredibly sad.

[siennacooper]

she was my teacher and we were watching it live from the classroom rip Mrs McAuliffe youll always be remembered

[Chicoandtheman]

You can clearly see why she was chosen. I mean she radiates such kindness and love. You just knew she was an amazing teacher and that her students loved her. She will never be forgotten.

[alancooper]

What a absolute great woman.She will never be forgotten.Hero and a massive inspiration.Rest In Peace.

[SomeoneFromIstanbul]

Beautiful face, beautiful smile… beautiful soul… rest in peace❤

[someone]

Clear why she was chosen 😢 you can see that despite being so excited for this opportunity, she still keeps the focus on the students. “They’re the pioneers. They’re our future. Hope I can bring the perspective back to my students”. One of the best teachers who was full of dreams. We go gaga about celebrities but we never care about such good teachers. They’re the ones creating the doctors, nurses and astronauts of tomorrow. RIP Christa! You’re with the stars.

[joeldiaz]

She radiate positive energy. We need people like her today.

[desertrose]

She was lovely -so sweet. She Reminds of my own Late Mom when she was young. 😢😢😢

[Paralyzer]

This is surreal, she won a first class ticket to her own death . 😞 that’s hard to get a grip around .

She was so excited to teach from space, instead her own family and the rest of the country watched her die 😔

[tomtagliente]

She was truly the best choice. Her enthusiasm was infectious. CHALLENGER was such a huge loss to the country. It's still so sad, and I only wonder what could have been.

[foxmccloud]

Came across this comment recently that said: "While Kathryn Johnson was making sure the math was correct and John Glenn was flying the mission, a 13yr old little girl was watching the flight and dreaming of flying in space herself. Unfortunately, that story must be told at another time."

[EllaKournikova]

What a amazing lady..its sad that Christa had no idea of the horrific accident disaster that was to follow one year later..such a sad loss..I am hoping that christa is up there in heaven now..looking down on earth and realise that she can look at wonderful space and earth forever..

[mattyboyd]

Such a lovely woman. It’s so nice to hear a wonderful person talk. She passed, but she was so meant to be legend. Love her!!

[aaronartale]

I can remember watching the launch live at school in 2nd grade. They brought TV's into all the classrooms

[antonioalaimo]

Christa was a beautiful soul. Rest in peace

[usernthng]

the way she worried about the replacement for her students, such a caring teacher, rest in peace ☹️☹️❤