New Hampshire Journalists and Teachers Recall Challenger Disaster 40 Years Later

Reporters and educators who witnessed the tragedy share their memories of that fateful day.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:47pm

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On the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, two New Hampshire residents - a journalist and a teacher - reflect on their firsthand experiences covering and witnessing the tragic event that claimed the life of Christa McAuliffe, a fellow New Hampshire educator who was aboard the ill-fated flight.

Why it matters

The Challenger disaster was a pivotal moment in American history that shook the nation. Hearing the personal accounts of those who were present provides a poignant reminder of the human toll and lasting impact of the tragedy, especially for the state of New Hampshire which lost one of its own that day.

The details

Roger Wood, a Seacoast radio reporter for WOKQ, was at Cape Canaveral covering the Challenger launch and vividly recalls the powerful sound of liftoff and the devastating moment when he heard the news of the explosion. Bob Veilleux, a science teacher from Manchester who was a finalist for NASA's Teacher in Space program, stood just rows behind Christa McAuliffe's parents as they watched the tragedy unfold.

  • The Space Shuttle Challenger launched on January 28, 1986.
  • The Challenger disaster occurred 73 seconds after liftoff.

The players

Roger Wood

A Seacoast radio reporter for WOKQ who was at Cape Canaveral covering the Challenger launch.

Bob Veilleux

A science teacher from Manchester, New Hampshire who was a finalist for NASA's Teacher in Space program.

Christa McAuliffe

A New Hampshire teacher who was one of the seven crew members who died when the Challenger broke apart.

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What they’re saying

“When the countdown reaches zero and it was ignition, the sound was unbelievable. It was like thunder. It was like an earthquake. This is five miles away.”

— Roger Wood, Seacoast radio reporter

“To have my colleague and compatriot from New Hampshire perish that way, it was a very hard pill to swallow, shall we say.”

— Bob Veilleux, Science teacher

What’s next

The Challenger disaster led to major changes in NASA's safety protocols and the way it prepares for and conducts space shuttle launches. The legacy of the tragedy and the crew, including Christa McAuliffe, continues to be honored and remembered through educational initiatives and space exploration programs.

The takeaway

The personal accounts of those who witnessed the Challenger disaster firsthand serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of space exploration and the lasting impact such tragedies can have, especially on local communities. The story underscores the importance of preserving the memory of those lost and inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.