Nasa needs to kick-start new interest in the space shuttle. After multiple missions, public attention is waning and funding could suffer. Nasa want to do something about it. And come up with an innovative plan.How about recruiting an astronaut from the classroom? The first teacher on a space mission. Nasa runs a competition, and the winner is Christa McAuliffe, a 36-year-old social studies teacher from New Hampshire. But has she got what it takes for the challenges of space?This episode contains scenes some listeners may find upsetting.Some scenes in this series use recreated sound effects.13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle is a BBC Audio Science Unit production for the BBC World Service. Hosted by space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock.Theme music by Hans Zimmer and Christian Lundberg, and produced by Russell Emanuel, for Bleeding Fingers Music.Archive: Ronald Reagan announces teacher in space programme, Reagan Library, 1984 George Bush announces Christa McAuliffe as teacher in space, Reagan Archive, 1984 Teacher training KC-135 flight, Nasa Archives, 1985 Teachers watch launch, Nasa Archives, 1985 Pre-flight press conference STS-51-L, 1986 Mission audio and oral histories, Nasa History Office
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Trump $82 Million Bond Spree, Brazil Tariffs 'Too High,' More
16 Nov 2025
Bloomberg News Now
Ex-Fed Gov Resigned After Rules Violations, Trump Buys $82 Mil of Bonds, More
16 Nov 2025
Bloomberg News Now
THIS TRUMP INTERVIEW WAS INSANE!
16 Nov 2025
HasanAbi
Epstein Emails and Trump's Alleged Involvement
15 Nov 2025
Conspiracy Theories Exploring The Unseen
New Epstein Emails Directly Implicate Trump - H3 Show #211
15 Nov 2025
H3 Podcast
Trump Humiliates Himself on FOX as They Call Him Out
15 Nov 2025
IHIP News