Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars

Narrated by Susan Sarandon, this documentary tribute from filmmakers Renee Sotile and Mary Jo Godges chronicles the life of "teacher in space" Christa McAuliffe, who perished along with six other astronauts in the Challenger space shuttle explosion on January 28, 1986. Born Sharon Christa Corrigan, happily married mother McAuliffe was one of 12,000 applicants to respond to NASA's request for a teacher willing to undergo its rigorous training program in order to teach lessons on space from Challenger. Combining home movie and documentary footage, together with testimony from family members, friends, and associates, the program charts McAuliffe's life, from her childhood through her noted teaching career, followed by the grueling NASA selection process and extensive training leading up to the moment of launch, after which the all-too-brief burst of joy was replaced by feelings of shock and grief. In the end, NASA determined the explosion was caused by a deadly combination of human and material failure, and two decades later those who were close to McAuliffe still react with a mixture of anger, regret, and pride. However, it's noted here that McAuliffe always celebrated hope and optimism, and like other great explorers, was willing to risk everything to "reach for the stars." Carly Simon's songs perfectly complement the visuals in this inspiring documentary, which originally aired on CNN. An outstanding tribute to an extraordinary woman, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: J, H, C, P. (S. Rees)