Onizuka ellison biography sampler

Ellison Shoji Onizuka(エリソン・ショージ・オニヅカ, 鬼塚 承次, Onizuka Shōji, June 24, 1946 – January 28, 1986) was an American astronaut, engineer, and USAF Flight test engineer from Kealakekua, Hawaii, who successfully flew into space with the Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-51-C.

He died in the destruction of the Space Shuttle Challenger, on which he was serving as Mission Specialist for mission STS-51-L. He was the first Asian American and the first person of Japanese origin to reach space.

Early life

Born on June 24, 1946, Onizuka was the oldest son and second-youngest child of Masamitsu and Mitsue Onizuka.

He was a Buddhist.

onizuka bio deceased - NASA

He had two older sisters, Shirley and Norma, and a younger brother, Claude, who became the family spokesman after the Challenger disaster. Growing up, Ellison was an active participant in FFA, 4-H, and the Boy Scouts of America, where he reached the level of Eagle Scout.

Onizuka graduated from Konawaena High School in 1964. He rec S.S.

Ellison Onizuka - Northrop Grumman VYSO