Remembering Challenger Disaster and Akron Astronaut Judith Resnick 40 Years Later

The Challenger explosion on live TV propelled the nation into a period of profound mourning.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:15am

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This article reflects on the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, which claimed the lives of seven astronauts, including Judith Resnick, a native of Akron, Ohio. Resnick was the second woman and first Jewish person to travel to space, and she made a lasting impression on her former teachers and the Akron community. The article also discusses the national impact of the tragedy, which unfolded on live television and shook public confidence in NASA.

Why it matters

The Challenger disaster was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the first time a spaceship broke apart on live television and leading to a period of national mourning. Resnick's story highlights the personal impact of the tragedy, as she was a trailblazing astronaut from the Akron community who inspired students and teachers alike.

The details

Judith Resnick, a valedictorian and math/science prodigy from Akron's Firestone High School, became the second woman and first Jewish person to travel to space when she spent six days aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1984. Less than two years later, Resnick was among the seven astronauts killed when the Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launch on January 28, 1986. The explosion, which occurred in frigid weather that had compromised the shuttle's O-rings, was broadcast live on television, shocking the nation and leading to a decline in public confidence in NASA.

  • Judith Resnick graduated from Firestone High School in Akron in 1966 as valedictorian.
  • In 1984, Resnick spent six days in space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, becoming the second woman and first Jewish person to travel to space.
  • On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launch, killing Resnick and six other astronauts.
  • The 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster was on January 28, 2026.

The players

Judith Resnick

An Akron native and Firestone High School valedictorian who became the second woman and first Jewish person to travel to space, before tragically dying in the Challenger disaster.

Donald Nutter

Judith Resnick's beloved calculus teacher at Firestone High School, who Resnick invited to attend the 1984 launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Janice Nutter

The widow of Donald Nutter, Judith Resnick's former calculus teacher, who recalled Resnick's lasting impression on her husband.

Don Plusquellic

The longtime mayor of Akron, Ohio, who recalled Resnick addressing a group of Akron schoolchildren and described her as "absolutely wonderful with those kids."

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What they’re saying

“Judith always made such an impression on my husband. She was smart, determined and excellent at science and math. My husband had a special fondness for Judith.”

— Janice Nutter, Widow of Donald Nutter (Cleveland.com)

“She was absolutely wonderful with those kids. She was smart, personable, down to earth. What happened to her was just heartbreaking. We lost a very special person.”

— Don Plusquellic, Former Mayor of Akron (Cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Akron community continues to honor Judith Resnick's legacy, with the Firestone High School she attended now named the Judith A. Resnick Community Learning Center.

The takeaway

The Challenger disaster was a profound national tragedy that shook public confidence in NASA, but it also highlighted the personal stories of brave astronauts like Judith Resnick, whose legacy lives on in her hometown of Akron and inspires future generations to reach for the stars.