Resnik, Judith (1949–1986)

views updated

Resnik, Judith (1949–1986)

American astronaut. Born Judith Arlene Resnik, April 5, 1949, at Akron, Ohio; killed in space, Jan 28, 1986; dau. of Dr. Marvin Resnik (optometrist) and Sarah Polensky Resnik (secretary); m. Michael D. Oldak, July 14, 1970 (div. 1976); Carnegie-Mellon University, BS, 1970, University of Maryland, PhD, 1977.

The 1st Jewish astronaut to fly in space, was selected for 1st group of women astronauts (1978); on the shuttle "Discovery," completed one mission as 2nd American woman in space (1984); killed on Challenger space mission (1986).

See also Women in World History.