Christa McAuliffe Day is observed in New Hampshire every January 28 to honor the memory of Christa McAuliffe, a teacher and astronaut from Concord who tragically died in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Born Sharon Christa Corrigan in 1948, she became the first civilian selected to fly into space as part of NASA's Teacher in Space Project. The Challenger mission launched on January 28, 1986, but failed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members, including McAuliffe. The day serves as a tribute to her contributions to education and space exploration, and it is recognized through various charities, foundations, learning centers, and scholarship programs in New Hampshire. Additionally, Christa McAuliffe Day coincides with NASA’s Day of Remembrance, which honors all deceased NASA astronauts and astronaut candidates.