The name often given to the seven astronauts who died when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on January 28, 1986.
Francis R. (Dick) Scobee - Commander. Born May 19, 1939, Cle Elum, Washington. Enlisted in U.S. Air Force. Took night courses and graduated in 1965 with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona. Received an officer's commission and earned his wings in 1966. Flew for the Air Force, including a combat tour in Vietnam. Became a test pilot for the Air Force and flew more than 45 types of aircraft. Enter the astronaut corps in 1978 and was the pilot of STS-41-C, the fifth orbital flight of Challenger. Married to June Kent with 2 children, Kathie R. and Richard W.
Michael J. Smith - Pilot. Born April 30, 1945, Beaufort, North Carolina. Graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. Received a M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1968. Received his wings in 1969. Taught at the Navy's Advanced Jet Training Command until 1971. Flew A-6 "Intruders" from the USS Kitty Hawk in southeast Asia. Became a test pilot and flew 28 types of aircraft. Joined the astronaut corps in 1980.