Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial

Very cool seeing a monument erected of the NASA Space Shuttle “Challenger” to pay tribute to the First American 🇺🇸 Japanese Astronaut 👨‍🚀 that unfortunately exploded in 1986 after takeoff due to leaking gas seal on rocket boosters. Jesus Christ Loves You!!!

On October 19, 1990 a 1/10 scale model of the Space Shuttle Challenger standing 27 ft tall was placed a few blocks from Los Angeles City Hall in Little Tokyo. It is called the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial but, it's dedicated to Mission Specialist Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka. I visited the Memorial a year later in 1991 in which I photographed the plaque n the model from different sides. Now, turn the clock foward 32 years and I have returned to the Memorial which in the pictures I took you can see how weathered it looks plus the area around it has also changed somewhat. I read that they tried to touch up the model in 2011 but, it hasn't lasted. It's an amazing Memorial everyone should see n visit but, be aware that parking is scarce, construction is being done just a few feet away so

The memorial is a lovely large-sized model of the Challenger Space Shuttle. A plaque tells the story of the Japanese-American man who died in it. It’s on a relatively quiet alley with lots of seating options.

Definitely worth the visit. We thought we’d have to pay but it was free entry with suggested contributions / donations. Well documented history of how the Shuttle Endeavor made its way through the streets of Los Angeles to where it resides today. Seeing how large it is quite a sight to be behold. Take the kids they would enjoy the lesson.

Really moving memorial and monument to the brave souls of the Challenger. We're from Hawai'i and the name of the street first caught my attention and then we spotted the orange through the trees and headed over to check this out. Although it was a long time ago, many of us 80s kids remember it like it was yesterday because we were all watching as a teacher went up into space. So long ago and yet not. This is a great chance to share the bravery and sacrifice that comes with science through space travel. Easily located next to shops in a little arcade tat has Marukai. Definitely stop here if you're walking past.