Challenger flag facts for kids
The Challenger flag is a special American flag. It flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on its last mission, STS-51-L. This flag was sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 514 from Monument, Colorado. Their leader, William "Bill" Tolbert, was an officer in the United States Air Force.
The Challenger launched with the flag on January 28, 1986. Sadly, the shuttle broke apart just 73 seconds after liftoff. Over the next few weeks, search teams found parts of the shuttle in the ocean. Amazingly, they found this flag still safe and sound. It was returned to the Boy Scout troop a few months later.
How the Flag Flew to Space
William "Bill" Tolbert, the scout leader, wanted a special flag for his troop. He ordered a "Capitol flag," which is a flag that has flown over the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C.. This flag flew over the Capitol on January 25, 1985.
Tolbert hoped this flag could one day fly in space. He worked hard to make this happen. Eventually, the flag was sent to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Texas. It was chosen to fly on the Space Shuttle Challenger.
On January 28, 1986, the flag was sealed in a plastic bag. It was placed in the shuttle's "official flight kit." This kit held important items for the mission. Next to the flag were some souvenir medals for the astronauts.
After the Challenger broke apart, parts of the shuttle were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean. Rescuers found the flag still sealed in its plastic bag. It was completely unharmed! The souvenir medals, however, had melted together.
On December 18, 1986, the Challenger flag was given back to Boy Scout Troop 514. This happened at a special event in Colorado. Many important people attended, including astronaut Guion Bluford. He had flown on the Challenger before and was also an Eagle Scout. He personally returned the flag to the troop.
The Flag's Journey Continues
Boy Scout Troop 514 still owns the Challenger flag today. They often show it at special public events. They also display it at ceremonies for Eagle Scouts.
In 1987, the Challenger flag was chosen for a very important role. The Chief Justice of the United States, Warren E. Burger, made it the official flag for the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. The troop was invited to a big celebration in Philadelphia.
On September 17, 1987, the flag was part of a parade in Philadelphia. That evening, it was shown on stage during the opening ceremony. About 13,000 people watched this event, which was also shown on TV. The next day, Troop 514 took the flag to Washington, D.C. There, the Challenger flag flew once again over the United States Capitol.
In 2002, the flag was loaned to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was displayed in Salt Lake City during the 2002 Winter Olympics. It was even raised at the opening ceremony of the games.
The flag has continued to be part of special events. In 2011, it was flown at another Eagle Scout Court of Honor. On November 3, 2012, Scoutmaster Bill Tolbert brought the flag on stage at a political rally in Denver.
For the 25th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, the flag was flown at the United States Air Force Academy. This was arranged by the troop's current scout leader.
In January 2016, for the 30th anniversary of the disaster, the flag was displayed at a memorial dinner. And on September 26, 2019, it was shown at the dedication of the new Challenger Learning Center of Colorado.
