Astronaut Profile
Judith A. Resnik
Mission Specialist
Judith Resnik became the second American woman in space aboard STS-41-D, then was killed on her second flight when Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after launch.
OrbitingTruths Archive
Mission Specialist • Deceased
Biography
The person behind the mission
Judith A. Resnik was an electrical engineer and NASA astronaut who became the second American woman and the first Jewish-American in space aboard STS-41-D in 1984, the maiden flight of Space Shuttle Discovery. She was on her second spaceflight, STS-51-L, when a failed O-ring seal caused Challenger to break apart 73 seconds after launch on January 28, 1986, killing Resnik and all six of her crewmates.
Astronaut Details
Born
April 5, 1949
Died
January 28, 1986
Birthplace
Akron, Ohio, USA
Role
Mission Specialist
Program
Space Shuttle
Time in Space
6 days, 1 hour
Missions
STS-41-D, STS-51-L
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal (posthumous)
- NASA Space Flight Medal