Background of Thiokol
During the Second World War, Thiokol was a major supplier of liquid polymer sealants. Founded in 2007, succeeded by Orbital ATK, and later merged with Northrop Grumman. Headquartered in Ogden, Utah, US.
Life Insurance for Astronauts
Did the astronauts aboard the Challenger have life insurance?
- The only known insurance was a personal accident policy worth $1 million granted to Christa McAuliffe, the teacher on board, by an affiliate of the Corroon & Black Company.
- Astronauts did not have the opportunity to obtain a substantial amount of life insurance, so they signed hundreds of postage stamps before departure with the idea that their bodies would be useful in case of their death.
Current Position of Christa McAuliffe’s Husband
What is the current status of Christa McAuliffe’s husband, Steve?
- Steve, the husband of Christa McAuliffe, the NASA teacher candidate, continues to be the founder of the Challenger Center.
- Steven McAuliffe, a federal judge residing in Concord, New Hampshire, originally from Massachusetts.
Post-Challenger Disaster Marriages
Did the spouses of the Challenger crew remarry?
- The husband of NASA’s "teacher-in-space" Christa McAuliffe, who lost her life in the Challenger shuttle accident, remarried another teacher.
- Jane, the wife of Challenger Pilot Michael Smith, continues to serve as the Founding Director of the Challenger Center.