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Christa McAuliffe Day

Honor the legacy of Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, on her special day by inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.

Thursday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 28

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYFamous People

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On January 28, we celebrate the legacy of an incredible woman who made history – Christa McAuliffe. This day is dedicated to honoring her life and achievements as the first teacher in space. On this date in 1986, she tragically lost her life along with six other crew members during the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. But her impact and inspiration continue to live on, as she showed us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. Let's remember and celebrate Christa's bravery, passion for education, and love for exploring the unknown on this special day.

TIMELINE

Christa McAuliffe Day Timeline

Christa McAuliffe's Birth

Sharon Christa McAuliffe was born on September 2, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Selected For NASA's Teacher In Space Project

Christa McAuliffe was selected from more than 11,000 applicants to participate in NASA's Teacher In Space Project.

Challenger Disaster

Christa McAuliffe and six other crew members died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986.

Education Center Named After McAuliffe

An education center in Concord, New Hampshire was named in McAuliffe's honor, prioritizing her commitment to education.

Establishment of Christa McAuliffe Day

New Hampshire declared Christa McAuliffe Day to be celebrated on January 28, to honor her passion for education and space exploration.

Posthumous Congressional Gold Medal

Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Christa McAuliffe posthumously alongside her Challenger crewmates.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Christa McAuliffe Day

Watch a documentary about Christa McAuliffe

Learn more about Christa McAuliffe's life and legacy by watching a documentary about her. This is a great way to honor her memory and educate yourself and others about her important contributions.

VISIT

Visit the Christa McAuliffe Space Center

If you live near the Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Utah, take a trip there and explore the interactive exhibits and simulations. It's a fun and educational way to celebrate Christa McAuliffe Day.

READ

Read a book about space exploration

Christa McAuliffe was passionate about space exploration, so honor her by reading a book on the topic. You can also share your knowledge with others and spread awareness about her legacy.

ATTEND

Attend a science or space-themed event

Check your local community for any science or space-themed events happening on Christa McAuliffe Day. It's a great way to learn, have fun, and commemorate this important day.

Share Christa McAuliffe's story on social media

Spread awareness about Christa McAuliffe and her achievements by sharing her story on social media. This can help keep her memory alive and inspire others to pursue their passions, just like she did.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Christa McAuliffe Day is Important

Celebrates education and learning

As a teacher, Christa McAuliffe valued education and believed that everyone had the potential to learn and explore their passions. National Christa McAuliffe Day encourages people to continue learning and pursuing their dreams, just like she did.

Honors a brave pioneer for women in STEM

Christa McAuliffe was a trailblazer for women in the field of science and mathematics. As the first civilian teacher selected to go to space, she opened doors for future generations of women who wanted to pursue careers in STEM fields. National Christa McAuliffe Day celebrates her contributions and inspires others to follow in her footsteps.

Remembers a tragic event in history

On January 28, 1986, tragedy struck when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after lift-off, killing all seven crew members on board. National Christa McAuliffe Day serves as a way to remember this heartbreaking event and honor those who lost their lives.

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