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At 10:30 a.m. EST on January 28, 1986, 73 seconds after liftoff from its Cape Canaveral launch pad, the space shuttle Challenger was destroyed by a catastrophic explosion and the seven crew members aboard were killed. I wish to dedicate this editorial to the memory of her crew: Francis R. Scobee-Shuttle Commander, Michael J. Smith-Shuttle Pilot, Ronald E. McNair-Mission Specialist, Ellison S. Onizuka-Mission Specialist, Judith A. Resnik-Mission Specialist, Gregory B. Jarvis-Payload Specialist, Christa McAuliffe-Space Flight Participant. I believe that I am speaking for all the officers, governors, members, and staff of SPIE in expressing our heartfelt sorrow to the families and friends of these seven dedicated space pioneers. I also trust that I am speaking for all of us in SPIE in encouraging the United States to press ahead with its space program and to ensure that the Challenger's crew did not give their lives in vain.
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