About Us

Michael Cronin
Challenger Center Supporter

How long have you been a donor to Challenger Center?

Since the beginning; I am a charter contributor. It is hard to believe it is close to twenty years!

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Why did you first decide to give to Challenger Center? What was it about the organization's mission that appealed to you?

There are several reasons why I support Challenger Center. First, to honor the brave crew of Challenger, as well as all astronauts and explorers who help mankind take the next steps. Second, to celebrate the ongoing exploration of space. Finally, to support educational initiatives that introduce children to the wonders of space, and engage them in the sciences that will be required to continue the space program for the next generation.

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The founding family members of Challenger Center refer to the organization as a living memorial to the 51-L crew. What does it mean to you when you hear that your assistance is helping to "continue their mission?"

At one level, it continues their mission, but at a deeper level, it allows them to continue their mission. It is special to note how many relatives of the crew stay involved with Challenger Center. As Challenger Center goes on and facilitates education and space exploration, the crew's work continues as if they have never left us. The goal is that for them, their families, and the supporters of Challenger Center, their mission will never end—it and they will live on and on!

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Can you talk about a Challenger Center program that particularly excites you?

Unfortunately, I can not specify one as I believe the whole program is important.

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What do you remember most about the Challenger mission and its crew?

Ironically, it was the trip that was to make travel into orbit appear commonplace and accessible for everybody. Christa McAuliffe, a teacher from New Hampshire, was going—so everybody could. The tragedy put us back in our place as to how far a journey mankind faces.

More than that, it was personal given my many connections with several members of the crew. McAuliffe was a teacher, as was my mother. She was from Concord, New Hampshire, very near my childhood summer spot in Antrim. A few of the crew worked at Hughes Aircraft where my best friend then worked and still does. He knew his brave co-workers personally. Everyone must have had a connection as we do to every crew we send into space. We go with them in many ways. Their tragedy was our tragedy.

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What would you say to someone considering donating to Challenger Center?

Today our space program is noted by its failures rather than its successes. NASA has lost its grip on the imagination of the nation. The true believers are "aging" and retiring steadily. We can not muster the budgetary or technical courage to repair the Hubble. The International Space Station seems to be "rusting away" while in orbit.

We need to rely on the kindness of our Russian friends to get back and forth. There is no next generation launcher or human transport system within sight. President Bush's future space policy is ridiculed, and fades quickly from the public's focus, which is clouded by the economy, the election and the war on terror.

There are shafts of bright light, such as the Mars Explorers and, for the technically inclined, the new Spitzer telescope.

Please consider a donation to ensure the few shafts of light fall on some gifted young men and women who will continue on with the same passion and intensity that was once enjoyed, that I enjoyed, and perhaps you enjoyed in the 1960s and 1970s. We owe it to ourselves to provide the great gift of space exploration to the next generation.

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