Big Bird and STS-51-L

This was a special event in America at the time. The Department of Education had all the schools watch the event live because Christa McAuliffe was going to teach kids live from outer space about astronomy throughout her planned trip. Millions of American kids watch Challenger explode as it occurred.

Wasn't that particular launch broadcasted live in a lot of schools even OTL?

If big bird was involved i would imagine even daycare centers would tune in for that...
Ah. OK, I stand corrected.
 

DougM

Donor
I just can’t see it happening. The point was to get the school age kids interested. A young children’s show is not really to target age. Yes you will get kindergarten and early elementary school but I think NASA was more looking for grade 4-12 then K-3
So while if it happens it would be traumatic to millions of kids I just don’t see it happening
 
I had read that it was at least contemplated, though I thought the teacher in space was a better plan, if things had gone right.
They did do things like the shuttle live. If they did, it would tough to pull off Big Bird surviving.
I wonder if it might subconsciously sour the Big Bird age range of kids on space travel.

Perhaps I shouldn't have done something quite this grim--but the tasteless joke opportunities are endless.
 
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