Space ShuttleDeceased
Astronaut Profile
Michael J. Smith
Pilot
Michael Smith was piloting his first spaceflight aboard Space Shuttle Challenger when STS-51-L broke apart 73 seconds after launch on January 28, 1986.
OrbitingTruths Archive
Pilot • Deceased
Biography
The person behind the mission
Michael J. Smith was a U.S. Navy test pilot and combat veteran who was making his first spaceflight as pilot of STS-51-L. Seventy-three seconds after Challenger's launch on January 28, 1986, a failed O-ring seal caused the spacecraft to break apart, killing Smith and all six of his crewmates before he had the chance to complete a single orbit.
Astronaut Details
Born
April 30, 1945
Died
January 28, 1986
Birthplace
Beaufort, North Carolina, USA
Role
Pilot
Program
Space Shuttle
Time in Space
73 seconds
Missions
STS-51-L
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal (posthumous)
- Navy Distinguished Flying Cross