On this day in 1986 seven astronauts, including Beaufort (N.C.) native Mike Smith and N.C. A&T alumnus (and Lake City, S.C., native) Ron McNair,were killed when the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after lift-off.
Exploring the History, Literature, and Culture of the Tar Heel State
On this day in 1986 seven astronauts, including Beaufort (N.C.) native Mike Smith and N.C. A&T alumnus (and Lake City, S.C., native) Ron McNair,were killed when the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after lift-off.