Ellison Onizuka (astronaut)

Ellison Onizuka was a Japanese-American astronaut and engineer who played a vital role in NASA's space missions. Born in Hawaii, he became a pilot and engineer before being selected as an astronaut in 1978. Onizuka was part of the STS-51-C mission, a space shuttle mission to deploy a satellite. Tragically, he died in the Challenger disaster in 1986, when the shuttle disintegrated shortly after liftoff. His legacy includes his contributions to space exploration and inspiring many through his dedication and service.