SIX GENERATIONS OF FIRST BORN WOMEN: ANOTHER AMERICAN TRAGEDY

Yesterday, an American tragedy done in a typically American way, made public, broadcast over the TV, viewed by the entire world.  A few seconds after take off, the space shuttle Challenger exploded, like a million Roman candles against a crystal blue sky. Seven astronauts were killed. School children across the country were glued to television sets that had been placed in their classrooms specifically for the occasion. Christa McAuliffe the first non-military citizen, a school teacher, wife and mother from New Hampshire, was on board.

Much had been made of this flight. Coverage began months ago, focusing on the training of this young teacher. Through her experience everyone could identify with the reality of space travel. An event like this could throw public support for the program back to Neanderthal times.

RG called me at work a few moments after it occurred. He sounded stricken. He's always identified very strongly with the space program, both the fantasy and the reality it inspires. Ever since he was a child with his evolving interest in science, that combined with his experience working on software development that powered the first shuttle flights following his stint at MIT has made him accutely aware of both the dangers and the promise of NASA.

There is a weight in the air. The last time I remember such shared American grief was when Kennedy was shot. Perhaps that event marked the first time television brought national tragedy into our homes. It may be only the beginning of many such moments, driven by technology and instant communication.

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This was originally written in January, 1986 - it is part of my on going memoir in this blog. As I posted this today, September11th, it seemed both ironic and prophetic.