posted 01-28-2026 09:06 AM               

On this solemn day, we remember and pay tribute to the Challenger 7 and display some material honoring their memory.

The crew of Space Shuttle STS-51L arrives at Kennedy Space Center a few days prior to their planned launch.

Left to Right: Greg Jarvis, Christa McAuliffe, Mike Smith, Ron McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Judy Resnik and Dick Scobee (Photo credit: Ken Havekotte)

posted 01-30-2026 08:36 PM               

Four different post offices here on the Florida Space Coast had been used on Jan. 28, 1986, that included a special multi-cancelled 51-L emblem cover along with some other special issues, rather or not, the launch was successful or not.

posted 01-30-2026 11:01 PM               

First cover is postmarked for the first launch of Space Shuttle Challenger on STS-6 and again for the last launch on STS-51L. Space City Cover Society in Houston produced these covers. Challenger's first launch always holds a special meaning for me as it was the first launch I saw up close.

The other two covers have been signed by Teacher In Space Participant S. Christa Mcauliffe. The notations on both covers are phenomenal.

Note that one of the covers is dated 16 days prior to the ill-fated launch. These were obtained from long-time space cover dealer Joe Frasketi shortly after the accident. Joe indicated that even though only one of the covers is dated, that in fact both covers were signed at the same time.

I do not remember if he said they were obtained in person. Maybe they were signed in pre-launch quarantine catching up on the mail while they await launch day. Just fantastic covers!

posted 02-08-2026 09:41 PM               

The 1957 Fleetwood FDC Honoring Teachers of America was a very appropriate cover and stamp for public school teacher Christa McAuliffe to autograph, and with the bonus of her adding the extra-special inscription.

Here is another cover with four very appropriate education-related commemorative stamps for this "Teacher in Space" cacheted cover, that includes another Honoring Teachers of America stamp. One of the four stamps, the 22-cent Public Education stamp, was used on many 51L covers.

And now on a somber note. Here is a 51L launch cover signed by the 51-L Ascent Capcom, Dick Covey ("Challenger, go at throttle up!"). And a note he sent previously declining to sign 51L emblem covers (I'm surprised that he signed any 51L covers). I have an extra if anyone is interested.