There are many ways that we commemorate heroes. From the naming of schools to the building of statues, immortalizing those who have achieved great things and stand as a symbol for the best of us. Such identification is generally reserved for those who have made their mark on society.

Christa McAuliffe was one such individual whose life and the tragic end has inspired so many to reach higher and dream bigger. And while her life has been celebrated in so many ways, the challenge coin is a more personal, more identifiable means of recognizing great people and their achievements.

The life of Christa McAuliffe started like many others in America. Born on September 2nd, 1948, Christa grew up wanting to educate others. But she was also captivated by the space program which came to life in the early 1960s. Christa expressed her desire to travel to outer space, but her primary focus was on becoming a teacher.

Christa got her chance to go into outer space by being selected from over 11,000 applicants to the NASA Teacher in the Space program. She trained diligently with the members of STS-51-L and boarded the Challenger space shuttle on January 28th, 1986. The shuttle broke apart 1 minute and 13 seconds into its flight and Christa died along with six other shuttle astronauts.

Her life and dedication to educating others became an inspiration to millions around the world. Christa received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, several schools were named after her, and of the many items and remembrances created, the challenge coin is one of the most unique and appropriate.

In January 1986, NASA selected Christa McAuliffe to be the first teacher in space. She was chosen from 11,000 applicants who wanted to fly on the Challenger. NASA planned for her to teach a lesson from space. However, she died with six other crew members when the Challenger exploded on takeoff in January of 1986. NASA's space program is a series of missions using manned and unmanned aerospace vehicles to explore outer space and conduct research thereon in order for us to learn more about our universe, other celestial bodies, and their inhabitants, and make new discoveries along the way.

Challenge coins have been in use for many years. They are mostly associated with groups, businesses, and organizations that want to instill pride, bolster morale, and provide motivation to their membership. Challenge coins also serve as identification within such organizations.

This type of coin was often used as identification for those who are part of a group or organization. However, their purpose also includes rewarding individuals for achieving goals, demonstrating bravery, or accomplishing a difficult task. Plus, challenge coins serve to motivate, inspire, and bring out the best in all of us.

Quite often, challenge coins are created to commemorate a singular individual whose bravery, accomplishments, and standing merit such recognition. And that is where our Christa McAuliffe challenge coins can be of service to you, your group, or your organization.

We can make your Christa McAuliffe challenge coin to inspire a new generation of educators, space adventurers, and those who look upward at night to view the stars. Our coins are crafted from precious metals including real silver. Of course, you can also choose our silver-plated coins that make a striking appearance.

Send us a quote today and we will get started on your Christa McAuliffe challenge coin. We do have a minimum order, but you will receive a marvelous challenge coin that will surely inspire the teacher or astronaut in all of us.

The NASA Challenger was a space shuttle that exploded on take-off, killing all seven people inside. The flight was supposed to be the first manned spaceflight of teacher Christa McAuliffe. A commemorative coin had been issued with her image on one side and the Shuttle on the other, just before she would have taken off.