Challenger Astronauts Memorialized on the Moon

Challenger Memorial Station, Meridiani Planum, Mars

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation President and CEO Thad Altman speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro listens during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

Kennedy Space Center Associate Director, Technical Kelvin Manning participates in NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

Retired Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

The Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial, foreground, and the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, background, are seen during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorials are seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

The Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorials are seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivers remarks at the Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial’s during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

John Warnack, left, and June Scobee-Rodgers, widow of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee, visit the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee, visits the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial durring a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial is seen after June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, along with others from NASA, participated in a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Arlington National Cemetery. Wreathes were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial is seen during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial is seen during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial is seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at Arlington National Cemetery. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Remembrances are seen left at the base of the Space Shuttle Challenger Crew Memorial during NASA's Day of Remembrance, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at Arlington National Cemetery. Wreaths were also laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial is seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Remembrances are seen at the base of the Space Shuttle Challenger Crew Memorial during NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were also laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial is seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial is seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence visits the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial with June Scobee-Rodgers, widow of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee, right, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, and Chuck Resnik, brother of Challenger Mission Specialist Judith Resnik, second left, after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivers remarks at the Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial’s during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivers remarks at the Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial’s during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial is seen just after NASA astronaut Joe Acaba placed a flower there, Friday, June 15, 2018 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

June Scobee-Rodgers, widow of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee, right, visits the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial with Vice President Mike Pence after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Challenger astronaut Judy Resnik’s brother Chuck and her sister-in-law Amy, visit the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronauts Joe Acaba, left, and Mark Vande Hei visit the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia memorials, Friday, June 15, 2018 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson lays a wreath at the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial during NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Joe Acaba places a flower at the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, Friday, June 15, 2018 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

June Scobee-Rodgers, widow of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee, right, speaks with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, Chuck Resnik, brother of Challenger Mission Specialist Judith Resnik, second left, and Vice President Mike Pence at the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk places a wreath at the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, left, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana visit the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. From left, Lowell Grissom, brother of Virgil “Gus” Grissom; Sheryl Chafee, daughter of Apollo 1 astronaut Roger Chafee; and Kathie Scobee Fulgham, daughter of Challenger Commander Francis R. Scobee, place carnations on the fence in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, left, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, give remarks at the Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial’s as Former NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, left, and Former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden look on, during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Left to right, June Scobee-Rodgers, widow of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee, John Warnack, family friend, Lt. General Richard Scobee, son of Dick Scobee, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, Chuck Resnik, brother of the late Judy Resnik, and Amy Resnik, sister-in-law of Judy Resnik, lay a wreath at the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, February 7, 2019, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

A wreath is placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during the NASA Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.

A wreath is placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during the NASA Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation president and CEO Thad Altman addresses the audience during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. Behind Altman, from left to right, are Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical; and Burt Summerfield, associate director, management. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation CEO Thad Altman addresses the audience during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. Behind Altman, from left to right, are Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical; and Burt Summerfield, associate director, management. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

The audience looks on during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

A wreath is displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

A wreath is displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Items are seen at the Space Shuttle Challenger memorial on National Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery, Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 in Arlington, Va. National Wreaths Across America Day is held annually to celebrate the lives of military veterans. NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock attended to honor those who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration as well as fellow service members. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Items are seen at the Space Shuttle Challenger memorial on National Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery, Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 in Arlington, Va. National Wreaths Across America Day is held annually to celebrate the lives of military veterans. NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock attended to honor those who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration as well as fellow service members. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Boatswain’s Mate First Class Ronald Stewart rings the bell during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock leaves his STS-120 mission patch at the memorial for the Space Shuttle Challenger crew during National Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery, Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 in Arlington, Va. National Wreaths Across America Day is held annually to celebrate the lives of military veterans and wreaths are placed at the foot of every headstone. Wheelock honored those who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration as well as fellow service members. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Members of the Palm Bay Magnet High School Marine Corps JROTC participate in the presentation of colors during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

A flower and wreath are displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Attendees of NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020 insert flowers into the fence in front of the wall. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Members of the Space Coast Voices sing the National Anthem during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock lays a wreath at the memorial for the Space Shuttle Challenger crew during National Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery, Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 in Arlington, Va. National Wreaths Across America Day is held annually to celebrate the lives of military veterans and wreaths are placed at the foot of every headstone. Wheelock honored those who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration as well as fellow service members. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Attendees of NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020 insert flowers into the fence in front of the wall. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Members of the Palm Bay Magnet High School Marine Corps JROTC participate in the presentation of colors during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — During the Challenger memorial ceremony held Jan. 28 in front of the Space Memorial Mirror at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex, Center Director Jim Kennedy talks to visitors. Others participating in the ceremony are Dr. Mick Ukleja, who gave the invocation; Dr. Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; Rep. Dave Weldon and Rep. Tom Feeney; William Potter, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA; June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of Challenger; Col. Richard Scobee, son of Dick Scobee and June Scobee Rodgers; Capt. Frederick Hauck, commander of the first mission after Challenger; Dr. Joseph Allen, astronaut and scientist and chairman of the Board of the Challenger Centers for Space Science. June Scobee Rodgers and Gerstenmaier placed a wreath at the base of the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- President and C.E.O. of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation Stephen Feldman displays a single yellow rose near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during a Day of Remembrance ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Following the Challenger memorial ceremony held Jan. 28 in front of the Space Memorial Mirror at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex, this wreath remains as a reminder of the fallen heroes. It was placed there by June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of Challenger, and William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA. They were participants in the ceremony, along with Dr. Mick Ukleja, who gave the invocation; Dr. Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; Rep. Dave Weldon and Rep. Tom Feeney; William Potter, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA; Jim Kennedy (second from left), center director of KSC; June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of Challenger; Col. Richard Scobee, son of Dick Scobee and June Scobee Rodgers; Capt. Frederick Hauck, commander of the first mission after Challenger; Dr. Joseph Allen, astronaut and scientist and chairman of the Board of the Challenger Centers for Space Science. June Scobee Rodgers and Gerstenmaier placed a wreath at the base of the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A wreath is displayed at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during a Day of Remembrance ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Pictured near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida are the members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A flag flies at half-staff near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The large mirror made of black granite was designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991. It honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana answers media questions during a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial displays the names of 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Flowers lay at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida before a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The floral arrangement is dedicated to the Apollo 1 crew members Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Roger B. Chaffee and Edward H. White II. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Flowers lay at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida before a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Stephen Feldman, president of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, left; Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, founding chair of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and widow of space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L Commander Dick Scobee; Michael McCulley, former astronaut and chairman of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation; Bob Cabana, former astronaut and NASA Kennedy Space Center director; Rick Soria, 2009 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award winner, and William Gerstenmaier, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations gather in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor the Challenger crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, left; Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, founding chair of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and widow of space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L Commander Dick Scobee; Michael McCulley, former astronaut and chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; Bob Cabana, former astronaut and NASA Kennedy Space Center director; Rick Soria, 2009 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award winner, and William Gerstenmaier, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations gather in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor the Challenger crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. NASA/Jack Pfaller

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Dr. Mick Ukleja gives the invocation at the opening of the Challenger memorial ceremony held Jan. 28 in front of the Space Memorial Mirror at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex. Others participating in the ceremony are Dr. Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; Rep. Dave Weldon and Rep. Tom Feeney; William Potter, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA; Jim Kennedy (second from left), center director of KSC; June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of Challenger; Col. Richard Scobee, son of Dick Scobee and June Scobee Rodgers; Capt. Frederick Hauck, commander of the first mission after Challenger; Dr. Joseph Allen, astronaut and scientist and chairman of the Board of the Challenger Centers for Space Science. June Scobee Rodgers and Gerstenmaier placed a wreath at the base of the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Following the Kennedy Space Center's NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony, Family members of fallen astronauts placed a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial. From the left, are Kathie Scobee Flugham, daughter of 51-L Challenger astronaut Dick Scobee, June Scobee Rodgers, Scobee's widow and State Rep. Thad Altman, president and chief executive officer of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. They are standing in front of the memorial includes the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument's 45-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface.

Amy Resnik, sister-in-law of the late space shuttle Challenger astronaut Judy Resnik, left, and Kristy Carroll, family friend of the late space shuttle Columbia astronaut William McCool embrace by the Space Shuttle Columbia and Challenger Memorials during NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Space Mirror Memorial is in view before the start of the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Michael McCulley, former astronaut and chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks to a crowd gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. NASA/Jack Pfaller

A memorial wreath inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida commemorates NASA’s Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. The annual event honors the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crowd lays roses and pays their respects space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. They gathered for a memorial ceremony in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Former astronaut and Chairman of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation Michael McCulley speaks to a crowd gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

A wreath has been placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests placed flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks to a crowd gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mick Ukleja, from The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, provides the invocation in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Amy Resnik, wife of Chuck Resnik, touches the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial after a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA’s Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Chuck Resnik is the brother of late space shuttle Challenger astronaut Judy Resnik. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Kathie Scobee Fulgham, Astronauts Memorial Foundation chair and daughter of Challenger astronaut Francis “Dick” Scobee, delivers remarks honoring fallen astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery during NASA’s annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the Space Mirror Memorial at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Those remembered include the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.