JUDITH RESNIK

Born April 5, 1949 in Ohio

Died 1986 

A brilliant software, electrical and biomedical engineer who was the 1st Jewish American astronaut and 1st Jewish woman to go into space.

She logged 145 hours orbiting in space and as a mission specialist, she operated the Space Shuttle’s robotic arm, which she helped design and develop.  

Gifted in math and science, she was also an accomplished classical pianist.

Sadly, was one of the victims aboard the doomed Space Shuttle Challenger.

After her death, she was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.