President Ronald Reagan’s 1986 State of the Union message to Congress originally was scheduled for January 28, the evening of the Challenger explosion. After postponing the event for a week, the president paid tribute to “the brave seven” and affirmed the nation’s commitment to the space program.
We paused together to mourn and honor the valor of our seven Challenger heroes. And I hope we are now ready to do what they would want us to do—go forward America, reach for the stars.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
President Ronald Reagan's State of the Union message to Congress, February 4, 1986
Risk in Exploration
Space exploration affords numerous benefits, but there are inherent risks. On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff, killing all seven crew members. This was neither the first nor the last such tragedy. After a congressional investigation of the Challenger disaster, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) changed its procedures and the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to space exploration.
President Ronald Reagan’s 1986 State of the Union message to Congress originally was scheduled for January 28, the evening of the Challenger explosion. After postponing the event for a week, the president paid tribute to “the brave seven” and affirmed the nation’s commitment to the space program.
We paused together to mourn and honor the valor of our seven Challenger heroes. And I hope we are now ready to do what they would want us to do—go forward America, reach for the stars.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
