13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle The Space Shuttle: 7. Teacher in space
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Aug 25, 2025 
Christa McAuliffe, a dedicated social studies teacher from New Hampshire, shares her extraordinary journey as the first teacher selected for NASA's Teacher in Space program. She discusses the importance of engaging the public through education and the excitement of training for a historic mission. Christa also highlights the camaraderie built with fellow educators and addresses concerns around sending private citizens into space. The emotional lead-up to the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger becomes a moving testament to the risks and dreams associated with space exploration.
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Teacher In Space Announcement
- Christa McAuliffe, a 36-year-old social studies teacher, was announced as the winner of NASA's Teacher in Space programme.
- She stood at the White House podium radiating enthusiasm and pledged to take ten souls with her in spirit.
Publicity As A Strategic Goal
- NASA recruited a teacher to reignite public interest and secure political support for the shuttle programme.
- Sending a popular educator into space aimed to reconnect schools and millions of students with the shuttle's story.
Rehearsing Lessons In The Trainer
- McAuliffe rehearsed a live lesson from a shuttle crew compartment trainer with backup Barbara Morgan helping her.
- She planned to introduce crew members and tour the orbiter for schoolchildren watching from classrooms.
