Directed/Produced By Renee Sotile & Mary Jo Godges
Narrated by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon
“Christa’s Song” & original music by Grammy winner Carly Simon
“A compelling and honest account of Challenger 51L’s “Teacher in Space” mission. An inspiring tribute to a true American Hero.” Buzz Aldrin
“A riveting and unusually moving story, told from the inside.” Ken Burns
“An outstanding tribute to an extraordinary woman, this is highly recommended. Editor’s Choice.” Video Librarian
“Moving documentary and tribute…serves to motivate and inspire.” Booklist
“Celebrates the extraordinary life of the first teacher in space and her legacy. Recommended for all collections.” Library Journal
CNN PRESENTS WITH PAULA ZAHN | BROADCAST OVER 20 TIMES!
In 1986, space shuttle Challenger exploded, traumatizing the nation and taking the lives of the seven-member NASA crew. Among them was Christa McAuliffe, the first Teacher in Space. Reach for the Stars is her story.
In this film, for the first time McAuliffe’s family speaks out about the impact of her death, revealing the deep private loss behind the public tragedy and how it drastically altered their lives.
Previously unseen footage and candid interviews surround the events that tore a family apart and brought a nation to tears.
"The Traipsing Thru Films effort became the most riveting ever produced on a shuttle-era astronaut. It captured to perfection McAuliffe’s delightful exuberance during training and the stark reality of her untimely death and its impact on her family." -- Rick Houston, Author
Wheels Stop: The Tragedies and Triumphs of the Space Shuttle Program, 1986-2011
a learning tool in schools across the country 🎓 TEacher's Guide
In 2005, Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars, celebrating the life and legacy of Christa McAuliffe, premiered on the film festival circuit, with screenings at the prestigious High Falls Film Festival and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
In January 2006, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Christa McAuliffe’s passing and the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger, CNN aired Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars over 20 times, featuring an on-set introduction and narration by Paula Zahn.
Educators:
Grade Level: 7 -12, College (modify for grades 4-6) Subject Areas: U.S. History, Current Events, Science and Technology
Astronauts & OuterSPACE!
Space Shuttle Launch * Astronauts @BlueStar118
In the news
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
Remembering Christa McAuliffe on her birthday today.
McAuliffe taught students for 15 years before she was selected to be the first teacher to go to space. Her life was tragically cut short with the Challenger disaster on Jan 28, 1986. go.nasa.gov/460VQiy
📷 McAuliffe prepares for a ride in one of NASA's T-38 jet trainers in October 1985.
... See MoreSee Less
Remembering Christa McAuliffe, born on this day in 1948.
As a history teacher, McAuliffe was chosen to fly on the Shuttle as part of NASA's Teacher in Space programme. Tragically, she lost her life in the Challenger disaster of 1986.
McAuliffe highlighted the 'ordinary' person in her teaching, sourcing journals and letters from American women across the country's history. She planned to connect with that history by journalling her experience with NASA.
Her story will not be forgotten.
... See MoreSee Less
