Reagan's Challenger address recalls 1986 shuttle explosion

On Jan. 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded during launch and President Ronald Reagan delivered a national address that evening, pausing the State of the Union and honoring the seven crew members, including teacher Christa McAuliffe.

On the evening of Jan. 28, 1986, President Ronald Reagan changed plans for his State of the Union speech after the space shuttle Challenger exploded during launch. The event was broadcast live and became a national moment of mourning. One of the seven crew members was Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher chosen for the Teacher in Space program. At 5 p.m. that day Reagan delivered an alternate, brief address to the nation. Known details: - The space shuttle Challenger exploded during launch on Jan. 28, 1986, and all seven crew members were killed. - The crew included Christa McAuliffe, a teacher selected for the Teacher in Space program. - President Reagan postponed the planned State of the Union and delivered a televised address that evening to acknowledge the loss. - Three days later, the president and first lady attended a memorial service in Houston for the crew. Summary: Reagan's address acknowledged national grief, named the seven crew members, and used brief, solemn language to honor their service. Memorial services followed in Houston three days later.