Having been duly reminded of this date’s historical significance by the multitudes on my LJ f-list, I take a moment to reflect on the day 23 years ago when the Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed during the launch phase of a mission.

Having grown up as a science-fiction nerd who dreamed of space travel, the Challenger disaster was a hard slap of reality for me as a 16-year-old. Suddenly, reeling from the news during lunch in the cafeteria, I thought about the ill-fated Apollo 1 team.

Our road to the stars will be difficult, costly, dangerous, and sometimes deadly. Let us never forget to honor the courage of those men and women who brave the heavens on our behalf, and to salute those who have perished in the attempt.

:raising a glass: