Astronaut Profile
Ellison S. Onizuka
Mission Specialist
Ellison Onizuka became the first Asian American in space aboard STS-51-C, then was killed on his second flight when Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after launch.
OrbitingTruths Archive
Mission Specialist • Deceased
Biography
The person behind the mission
Ellison S. Onizuka was a United States Air Force flight test engineer who became the first Asian American and the first person of Japanese ancestry to fly in space aboard STS-51-C in 1985, a classified Department of Defense mission. He was on his 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 Onizuka and all six of his crewmates.
Astronaut Details
Born
June 24, 1946
Died
January 28, 1986
Birthplace
Kealakekua, Hawaii, USA
Role
Mission Specialist
Program
Space Shuttle
Time in Space
3 days, 1 hour
Missions
STS-51-C, STS-51-L
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal (posthumous)
- Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross