Space ShuttleDeceased
Astronaut Profile
Dick Scobee
Commander
Dick Scobee commanded the Space Shuttle Challenger on STS-51-L in January 1986, and was killed along with his six crewmates 73 seconds after launch.
OrbitingTruths Archive
Commander • Deceased
Biography
The person behind the mission
Francis 'Dick' Scobee was a U.S. Air Force test pilot who flew as pilot on STS-41-C in 1984 before commanding STS-51-L in 1986. Seventy-three seconds after Challenger's launch on January 28, 1986, a failed O-ring seal caused the spacecraft to break apart, killing Scobee and all six of his crewmates, including teacher Christa McAuliffe.
Astronaut Details
Born
May 19, 1939
Died
January 28, 1986
Birthplace
Cle Elum, Washington, USA
Role
Commander
Program
Space Shuttle
Time in Space
7 days, 3 hours, 8 minutes
Missions
STS-41-C, STS-51-L
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal (posthumous)
- Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross