Career and Challenger Disaster
, who led the during the Challenger disaster, passed away at 102 in . The incident, occurring 73 seconds post-launch on January 28, 1986, resulted in the deaths of all seven crew members.
Despite the presidential commission blaming faulty solid-fuel booster rockets and criticizing NASA's management, Lucas initially defended the decision to launch. He resigned months later, ahead of the report's release.
Legacy and Funeral
Lucas's career spanned significant contributions to NASA, overshadowed by the Challenger tragedy. He was a charter member of the Marshall Space Flight Center and held a doctorate in metallurgy.
A funeral service is scheduled for March 1, marking what would have been his 103rd birthday, as tributes pour in highlighting his lifelong dedication to aerospace and defense.