Teachers in Space

Aug. 9, 2007
We have launched another teacher into space. Our last attempt was 21 years ago when Christa McAuliffe flew for only 73 seconds in what was the disaster called Challenger. But there are differences. McAuliffe was seen as the teacher who was going up in the Challenger. Both before and after the disaster there was much criticism of putting a "civilian" into space. John Glenn, if I remember right, was particularly critical of the very idea. Barbara Morgan—this week’s teacher in space—is seen as the former teacher who became an astronaut. She has been through the same training as other astronauts and has duties on the flight. She was actually the back-up teacher for McAuliffe in 1986 and watched the Challenger as it came apart. There is also the huge difference—this flight did not come apart during launch. If it had, you’ve got to wonder if NASA, as we know it, could have survived. The launch was a success, so we now have a new heroine and a great comeback. As writer Rod Machado might say, that’s a good thing. We’d love to post your comments. Please click the comment tab at the top.Â