Astronaut schoolteacher Barbara Morgan has waited 22 years for the opportunity to fly in space. (AP Photo/George Shelton)
by Mark Silva
First Lady Laura Bush, calling as "one schoolteacher to another,'' today called Barbara Morgan, the teacher from Utah slated to fly as a "teacher in space'' aboard the space shuttle Endeavour this week.
"Mrs. Bush expressed congratulations from one schoolteacher to another and noted that she and the president appreciate Ms. Morgan’s commitment to America’s space program, to teaching, and to students,'' said Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for the first lady. "Mrs. Bush concluded the call noting that Americans — and lots of excited teachers and students — will be watching the mission with a lot of pride.''
With pride and more.
The memory of the catastrophe of the space shuttle Challenger, which launched with schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe in 1986, remains imprinted in the national psyche. Morgan had trained with McAuliffe and was assigned as the back-up teacher in space for that launch.
Laura Bush calling astronaut and former teacher Barbara Morgan, from the residence of the White House. White House photo by Shealah Craighead.
Morgan's 22-year wait could end on Wednesday, with the scheduled lauch of Endeavour.
ther astronauts to the international space station.
In 1985, Morgan was chosen from thousands of applicants to be the backup to teacher-in-space McAuliffe. They trained together at Johnson Space Center in Houston for six months.
The Challenger exploded after launch on Jan. 28, 1986. A poorly designed seal in the shuttle's solid rocket booster was blamed for the disaster that killed the teacher and six fellow astronauts.
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Comments
In 1985, many people asked me if I would be thrilled for my wife, a teacher, to be chosen to go on the shuttle. I replied that the only way she would go would be against my most fervent objections. The "pride" of being in space was wholly inadequate to justify the risks. I simply stated that I could not trust the most important person in my universe to hundreds of thousands of man made moving parts. There are too many parts that could have been manufactured/assembled by the technician who had a fight with his spouse, got high the night before, or simply overslept.
Most people called me a male chauvinist pig who's only interest was to continue the oppression of women. I was, and am very fortunate that I am not at all concerned about others opinion. I am sure we all know that opinions are on a par with.
When the shuttle blew up, everybody at work was very quite about it around me the next day. At no time did I utilize the "I told ya so", as I thought this would be disrepectful of the victims of the crash. BUt I did state that the incident demonstrated my distrust of the Space Program. It is subject to budget cuts, disgruntled workers, incompetent workers, or any of the other hundreds of thousands of other issues that could comprimise the safety of the mission.
I do wish Ms. Morgan luck and safety on her upcoming journey. But my thoughts are more with her family. May they not have to endure the angiush of the McCauliffe family.
Posted by: Rob S | August 7, 2007 12:31 PM
I cring each time the space shuttle goes up and returns. So much is riding on
so little...little in terms of a seal or a heat-resistant tile being a potential for a major concern. I join Mrs. Bush in our pride that a teacher once again is going into space. God speed.
Posted by: Quintel | August 7, 2007 1:00 PM
With singular, special
influence and command from
former Republican Senator
Jake Garn (who weaseled his
way onto a shuttle), Teacher Barbara Morgan was
selected as another NASA
PR-Marketing Agent.
Now, Ms. Morgan can add her
name & teacher status to
the fiscal and scientific
bankruptcy of NASA's Shuttle
"Space Program"!!!
All smiles; zero purpose
and accomplishments...
Posted by: ABE | August 8, 2007 12:52 AM
22 years ago, a NASA crew along with a very brave teacher, made a great sacrifice for the sake of science and history. It appalls me to hear such negative comments from certain individuals concerning this issue. Barbara Morgan was chosen from thousands of applicants to be the back-up Astronaut teacher to McAuliffe. As she watched the explosion of the “Challenger”, I’m sure the thoughts running through her mind were surreal, to say the least. In my opinion, I believe that she is on top of the list of “America’s Bravest”! I’m very sure she knows the risks that she is about to take, but everyone must also remember that she was very close to being on the “Challenger” the day it took the lives of 7 Astronauts. One would tend to believe that she is aware of what she is up against and I believe that we should all come together and applaud her for her bravery rather than demean the “Space Program” for their decision to put another teacher in space. In the end, I wish the best for the entire NASA crew, including Mrs. Morgan and their families and hope for a safe return back home. GOD Speed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Christopher Cook | August 8, 2007 8:24 AM
Mrs. Bush a "teacher"? I thought she was a librarian.
Posted by: BC | August 8, 2007 11:18 AM
Nice try. However, after achieving to traversable spacewarp technology , everybody could travel much easier.
Posted by: Mohammad Mansouryar | September 1, 2007 12:05 PM