Christa McAuliffe a result. On January 28, 1986, McAuliffe boarded "Challenger" with the other six crew members of STS-51-L. Just 73 seconds into its flight at an altitude of 48,000 feet, the shuttle broke apart, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members. According to NASA, it was in part because of the excitement over her presence on the shuttle that the accident had such a significant effect on the nation. Many schoolchildren were viewing the launch live, and media coverage of the accident was extensive. The Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle "Challenger" Accident—also known as the Rogers Commission—was formed
Maurice F. McAuliffe Joseph's Hospital in Stamford. McAuliffe was admitted to St. Francis Hospital on December 3, 1944, and placed in an oxygen tent. He later died at age 69. McAuliffe Hall on the campus of Fairfield University is named in honor of Bishop McAuliffe, who sanctioned the creation of the University in 1941. The Knight of Columbus Council 3181 - Bishop Maurice F. McAuliffe in Windsor, Connecticut is also named in his honor. Maurice F. McAuliffe Maurice Francis McAuliffe (June 17, 1875 – December 15, 1944) was an American clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Hartford from