The first teacher on a space mission - 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Space Shuttle Program: Aimed to make spaceflight routine.
• Teacher in Space Program: NASA initiative to regain public interest by sending a teacher into space.
• STS-51-L: The mission on which Christa McAuliffe was scheduled to fly.
• Challenger: The space shuttle orbiter assigned to the STS-51-L mission.
• Turnaround: The process of dismantling, rebuilding, and preparing a space shuttle for its next mission.
• VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building): A large structure where the space shuttle components are assembled.
• Shuttle Stack: The complete space shuttle, consisting of the orbiter, external tank, and solid rocket boosters.
• GLS (Ground Launch Sequencer): The computer that controls the final phase leading to launch.
• Capcom: The member of the Mission Control team who communicates directly with the crew during launch.
• Throttle Up/Down: Adjusting the power output of the space shuttle's main engines during flight.

Teacher in Space Announcement and Training

• Selection of Christa McAuliffe: In July 1985, Christa McAuliffe, a 36-year-old social studies teacher from Concord High School in New Hampshire, was selected as the first Teacher in Space.
• NASA's Motivation: NASA aimed to reignite public interest in the space shuttle program by sending a teacher into space.
• White House Support: The White House saw the program as an opportunity to demonstrate support for the education system.
• McAuliffe's Enthusiasm: McAuliffe expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "when that shuttle goes, there might be one body… but there’s gonna be ten souls that I’m taking with me."
• Rehearsal and Preparation: McAuliffe rehearsed a video presentation to be given from the shuttle, using a crew compartment trainer at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
• Barbara Morgan as Backup: Barbara Morgan was selected as the backup teacher, participating in intensive training alongside McAuliffe.
• T-38 Jet Flights: McAuliffe and Morgan experienced high-performance jet flights in T-38 aircraft to build trust with the commander and pilot and to experience high-G forces.
• Weightlessness Training: The teachers experienced simulated weightlessness on NASA's KC-135 aircraft, known as the Vomit Comet.

Astronaut Concerns and Shuttle Preparation

• Astronaut Reservations: Some astronauts, including Anna Fisher and Mike Mullane, expressed concerns about non-professional astronauts flying on the shuttle, citing the inherent risks of spaceflight.
• Dick Scobee's Responsibility: Commander Dick Scobee ensured McAuliffe understood the risks involved in the mission.
• Shuttle Turnaround Process: The space shuttle underwent a complex turnaround process after each mission, involving dismantling, inspection, and rebuilding.
• Pressure to Increase Launch Rate: NASA faced increasing pressure to increase the launch rate, potentially compromising safety and thoroughness.
• Challenges with Shuttle Reliability: Astronaut Bob Crippen noted issues with the vehicle, including landing gear problems and heat damage to tiles.
• Vehicle Assembly: The shuttle components (orbiter, external tank, and solid rocket boosters) were assembled in the VAB using a specialized crane.
• Crawler Transporter: The assembled shuttle stack was transported to the launch pad using a crawler transporter.

Launch Day and the Challenger Disaster

• Launch Delays: The launch was initially scheduled for January 27, 1986, but was delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
• Milk Stool Incident: A stripped nut on the "milk stool" (a piece of equipment used to close the hatch) caused a delay and required the use of tools.
• Cold Weather Concerns: On the morning of January 28, 1986, extremely cold temperatures raised concerns about ice formation on the launch pad and potential damage to the shuttle.
• Ice Team Assessment: An ice team assessed the conditions and removed icicles from the pad.
• Launch Decision: Despite concerns, analysts convinced themselves there would be no threat from the ice, and the launch proceeded.
• Crew Readiness: The crew, including Christa McAuliffe, was ready and excited to fly.
• Launch and Initial Ascent: The shuttle stack lifted off successfully, with Barbara Morgan and McAuliffe's family watching from the Launch Control Center.
• Throttle Up and Anomaly: The engines throttled up as planned, but shortly after, an anomaly occurred, leading to the Challenger disaster.

Conclusion

The Teacher in Space program, intended to revitalize public interest in the Space Shuttle program, culminated in the tragic Challenger disaster. Despite the enthusiasm and dedication of Christa McAuliffe and the efforts of NASA personnel, the mission was ultimately overshadowed by safety concerns, pressure to maintain a high launch rate, and the catastrophic failure of the space shuttle. The event highlighted the inherent risks of spaceflight and the importance of prioritizing safety over schedule.