Did You Know John Denver Nearly Took Part in the Challenger Space Shuttle Mission?

John Denver was a decorated country musician, philanthropist, environmentalist, and, generally, an icon. The man wore a few different hats. And one more to include on that list is that of a pilot’s cap. Growing up, Denver’s father was an officer in the Air Force, and consequently, he developed quite an affinity for flying. Denver himself was a pilot and collected vintage bi-planes. Tragically, Denver’s love of flying was the very thing that took his life. In 1997, Denver famously passed away while flying an experimental aircraft over the Pacific Ocean right off the coast of California. This was a tragic incident. However, John Denver’s death nearly happened years before, as he almost became the citizen who was brought along on the infamously tragic Challenger Mission in 1986.

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How John Denver Nearly Boarded the Challenger Shuttle

Thanks to his affinity for aerial travel and space exploration, John Denver teamed up with NASA to create the Citizens in Space Program. Thanks to his efforts with NASA, Denver actually received NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal in 1985. In addition to that medal, NASA also considered Denver for the civilian spot in the crew of astronauts who were set to go on the excursion via the space shuttle Challenger.

After passing extensive physical, mental, and written exams, Denver was, unfortunately, yet luckily, not chosen. Several other celebrities were also denied, as Walter Cronkite, Geraldo Rivera, and Tom Wolfe all applied as well. Notably, NASA decided to bring along the school teacher from Boston, Christa McAuliffe.

Many know the story of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. In short, the space shuttle exploded in 1986 just after liftoff due to a failed O-ring seal in one of the solid rocket boosters. All members aboard the shuttle passed away in the accident.

It’s wild to think that John Denver could have lost his life in the Challenger disaster. Not only is it wild given his prominence at the time, but it’s also wild when one realizes that he died from an aerial accident years later. The world works in mysterious ways, and it was watching out for John Denver in the year of 1986.

Following the explosion, John Denver went on to release the single “Flying For Me” as a tribute. Denver also put on a benefit show for the families of the deceased and raised $50,000. Despite the tragedy, John Denver remained a supporter of NASA and space exploration up until his death.

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