Born: 1949 (Akron, Ohio)
Died: 1986
Biography:
Judith Arlene Resnik (April 5, 1949 – January 28, 1986) was an American electrical engineer, software engineer, biomedical engineer, pilot, and NASA astronaut who tragically lost her life in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. She was a pioneer in several fields and made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology. Resnik’s remarkable achievements and dedication to her work make her a celebrated figure in both space exploration and women’s history.
Born in Akron, Ohio, to Marvin Resnik and Sarah Polensky, Judith Resnik displayed exceptional intelligence from an early age. Her father, the son of a rabbi, had emigrated from Ukraine to the United States. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and instilled in Judith a passion for learning. She grew up in an observant Jewish home and studied at Beth El Synagogue, where she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in 1962.
Resnik’s brilliance continued to shine throughout her academic career. She was accepted at the prestigious Carnegie Institute of Technology after achieving a perfect score on the SAT exam, becoming only the sixteenth woman in U.S. history to accomplish this feat. She graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from Carnegie Mellon and went on to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland. Her academic achievements set the stage for her groundbreaking work to come.
Resnik began her professional career at RCA, working as an engineer on Navy missile and radar projects. Her expertise and dedication quickly gained recognition, and she went on to become a senior systems engineer at Xerox Corporation. Resnik’s research on special-purpose integrated circuitry was published and contributed to advancements in the field. Additionally, she made notable research contributions to biomedical engineering during her time as a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health.
In 1978, at the age of 28, Resnik was selected by NASA as a mission specialist. She became part of NASA Astronaut Group 8, the first group to include women. Resnik’s brilliance and technical skills were instrumental in developing software and operating procedures for NASA missions. Her enthusiasm for space exploration and commitment to excellence made her a standout member of the team.
Resnik’s first spaceflight came in August 1984 with the STS-41-D mission. This mission marked the twelfth Space Shuttle flight and the maiden voyage of the Discovery shuttle. Resnik played a vital role as a mission specialist and operated the robotic arm. Her exceptional performance in space solidified her reputation as a skilled astronaut.
Tragically, Resnik’s promising career came to a devastating end on January 28, 1986. She was part of the crew of the ill-fated Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-51-L) when it broke apart shortly after liftoff. The explosion resulted in the death of all crew members and marked a significant setback for NASA’s space program. Resnik’s untimely demise was a tremendous loss for the scientific community and a tragedy for the nation.
Throughout her life, Judith Resnik broke barriers and shattered glass ceilings. She was the fourth woman, the second American woman, and the first Jewish woman to travel to space. Her accomplishments inspired a new generation of women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Resnik’s immense contribution to the field of space exploration continues to be recognized and celebrated.