The final voice captured on the Space Shuttle Challenger flight recorder during the STS-51-L mission belonged to Michael J. Smith, who served as the craft's pilot. The mission ended in catastrophe 73 seconds after liftoff when the vehicle broke apart at an altitude of 48,000 feet, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members aboard.
Military Formation and Aviation Service
Born in Beaufort, North Carolina, in 1945, Smith graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1967. He subsequently earned a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1968. Following his flight training at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, he received his aviator wings in May 1969. He served as an instructor for the Advanced Jet Training Command before joining Attack Squadron 52. During the Vietnam War, he participated in Operation Linebacker while stationed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.
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In 1974, Smith graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. His subsequent assignment at the Strike Aircraft Test Directorate at NAS Patuxent River involved testing Cruise missile guidance systems and the A-6E TRAM. He later returned to the Test Pilot School to serve as an instructor for 18 months. Before his selection for the astronaut program, he served as a maintenance and operations officer for Attack Squadron 75, completing two Mediterranean cruises on the USS Saratoga. Over his career, he flew 28 different types of civilian and military aircraft and logged 4,867.7 hours of flying time.
NASA Service and Final Mission
Smith joined the astronaut program in May 1980, taking on roles including commander in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory and Deputy Chief of the Aircraft Operations Division. As pilot of the Challenger for the STS-51-L flight, Smith was slated for future missions, including STS-61-I. Following the disaster at Cape Canaveral, investigators discovered that several electrical switches on Smith's right-hand panel had been moved from their launch positions. These switches required pulling them outward against spring locks, indicating a manual attempt by Smith to restore power to the cockpit after the cabin separated from the orbiter.
Honors and Legacy
Posthumously promoted to the rank of captain, Smith's contributions were recognized through numerous awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1986 and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 2004. He also held the Distinguished Flying Cross and various Air Medals. His name marks the Michael J. Smith Field in Beaufort, and a chair at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, is dedicated in his memory. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, Beaufort, North Carolina
- Died: 1986, Cape Canaveral, Florida
- Education: United States Naval Academy; Naval Postgraduate School
- Military Rank: Podpolkovnik
- Total Flying Time: 4,867.7 hours
- Final Mission: STS-51-L
- Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What evidence exists regarding the crew's final moments?
Investigations revealed that three Personal Egress Air Packs were activated, including those of Smith, Judith Resnik, and Ellison Onizuka, indicating the crew members were alive after the cockpit separated from the shuttle.
Did Smith attempt to control the shuttle after the explosion?
Yes. Electrical switches on his right-hand panel, which featured protective lever locks, were found moved from their launch positions, suggesting Smith tried to restore power to the cockpit during the descent.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at United States Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School
- Worked as naval officer, astronaut and test pilot
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