Concord, N.H. –  Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01), alongside U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), joined NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy for the dedication of a statue commemorating the life of Christa McAuliffe on the grounds of the New Hampshire State House in Concord. McAuliffe’s family members and fellow astronauts also attended the ceremony. McAuliffe, who began her career as a teacher in Concord, was selected to be the first educator astronaut in space and was one of seven courageous crew members who tragically died during the Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-51-L on January 28, 1986.

“Christa McAuliffe always reached for great heights and taught her students to do the same,” said Kuster. “Her pioneering spirit is an inspiration to young people and educators across New Hampshire, and I’m honored to join members of her family and community to celebrate her legacy.”

“Both as a teacher and as an astronaut, Christa McAuliffe taught her students and all Americans to dream big and dare to do extraordinary things. It’s been 38 years since the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion tragically resulted in the death of its crew, including New Hampshire’s Christa McAuliffe. To this day she remains an inspiration,” said Congressman Pappas. “I was honored to join the unveiling ceremony of Christa McAuliffe’s statue on the grounds of the New Hampshire State House. I know this statue will serve as an enduring reminder of her pioneering spirit and the impact she made on generations.”

“I was humbled to attend the unveiling of a new statue at the New Hampshire State House honoring one of the Granite State’s legendary and trailblazing astronauts, Christa McAuliffe,” said Senator Shaheen. “From courageous astronauts to cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing, the Granite State has led the way on space exploration and innovation, and McAuliffe’s achievements were an integral part of that history.”

“It was an honor to join in the unveiling of the new statue to recognize Christa McAuliffe and her impact on countless Granite Staters and Americans, inspiring them to push the boundaries of education and exploration,” said Senator Hassan. “Although Christa’s life was cut short 38 years ago when she was killed alongside six others in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion, her legacy lives on.”

###