NASA and families of fallen astronauts mark 40th anniversary of space shuttle Challenger accident
Associated Press
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Jane Smith-Wolcott, center, widow of Challenger pilot Michael Smith puts a flower on a memorial during NASA's Day of Remembrance for the 40th Anniversary of the Challenger tragedy at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/John Raoux)A memorial wreath is seen at the Astronaut Memorial during NASA's Day of Remembrance for the 40th Anniversary of the Challenger tragedy at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/John Raoux)Veteran astronaut, Bob Cabana, left, makes remarks during NASA's Day of Remembrance for the 40th Anniversary of the Challenger tragedy at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/John Raoux)Jane Smith-Wolcott, center, widow of Challenger pilot Michael Smith and daughter Alison Smith Balch put flowers on a memorial during NASA's Day of Remembrance for the 40th Anniversary of the Challenger tragedy at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/John Raoux)Veteran astronaut, Bob Cabana, makes remarks during NASA's Day of Remembrance for the 40th Anniversary of the Challenger tragedy at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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Jane Smith-Wolcott, center, widow of Challenger pilot Michael Smith puts a flower on a memorial during NASA's Day of Remembrance for the 40th Anniversary of the Challenger tragedy at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/John Raoux)