NASA to observe Day of Remembrance for Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia

NASA will observe its annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 22, commemorating the crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. The observance is traditionally held every year on the fourth Thursday of January, as all three astronaut accidents happened around the end of the month.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said, “On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we pause to honor the members of the NASA family who lost their lives while pushing the boundaries of exploration and discovery. We remember them not to retreat from risk, but to respect it — to learn, to improve, and continue onward.

Their sacrifice and the strength of their families will forever inspire us as we continue to reach for the stars and pursue the secrets of the universe.” Isaacman will lead an observance at 1 p.m. EST at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, beginning with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by observances for the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia crews.

Several NASA centers will hold local observances. Johnson Space Center will commemorate at 10 a.m. CST at the Astronaut Memorial Grove with remarks by Center Director Vanessa Wyche, astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, and Cheryl McNair, and will include a moment of silence, a NASA T-38 flyover, taps by the Texas A&M Squadron 17, and a procession placing flowers at memorial trees for Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia.

Key Topics

Science, Nasa, Challenger, Columbia, Arlington National Cemetery, Johnson Space Center