Description

Wooden plaque with bronze face plate. Features pictures of the seven astronauts (including MIT alumnus Ronald E. McNair, PhD 1977) killed by the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger, STS 51-L, shortly after launch on January 28, 1986. Affixed to the center of the plaque is a distinctive fabric letter “T” of the type awarded to MIT varsity athletes. The “Letter” was recovered from the shuttle’s Crew Compartment.

The plaque was fabricated by NASA and present to MIT president Paul E. Gray by McNair’s widow, Cheryl B. Moore at the dedication of the Ronald E. McNair Building (Building 37) on December 5, 1986.

Type

inscription

Location

face of plaque

Text

This M.I.T. letter was flown by Dr. Ronald E. McNair as part of the Official Flight Kit aboard the orbiter "Challenger", STS51-L, January 28, 1986