Judith Arlene Resnik (Judith Resnik) (April 5, 1949 – January 28, 1986) was an exceptional American electrical engineer, NASA astronaut, and trailblazing woman in space exploration. Known for her intelligence, discipline, and quiet determination, Resnik became the second American woman and the first Jewish American to travel into space.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Resnik showed early brilliance in science and mathematics. She earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland and contributed to cutting-edge research at RCA and the National Institutes of Health before joining NASA in 1978 as part of the first group of female astronauts.
Resnik first flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1984, spending six days in orbit conducting experiments in materials science, engineering, and life sciences. Her precision and professionalism earned her deep respect among her peers and inspired a new generation of women in STEM.
Tragically, Judith Resnik lost her life during the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986, when the shuttle broke apart shortly after launch. Her legacy endures as a symbol of courage, intellect, and human aspiration. Across the world, schools, laboratories, and scholarships bear her name, honoring her contributions to science and her place among the pioneers of space exploration.
