Clear Lake High School, located just a few miles from Houston’s Johnson Space Center, has a strong connection to NASA.

Many students have had parents who worked there. One such student was Janelle Onizuka. In early 1986, during her sophomore year, Janelle and her soccer teammates were passing around an old practice soccer ball that would soon have special significance. 

Ellison Onizuka, Janelle’s father and a NASA astronaut, served as an assistant coach for the soccer team. Known for his kindness and sense of humor, he often took time amid space preparations to attend games, creating a unique bond between the space community and local students.

Tragically, Ellison was one of the seven astronauts who lost their lives in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in January 1986.

On the day before Ellison departed for his final space mission, his daughter’s team signed the worn ball with their names and a message wishing the shuttle crew good luck. The ball was then taken aboard the shuttle, symbolizing the connection between the everyday lives of students and the extraordinary world of space exploration. 

This signed soccer ball was one of several personal items Ellison, the first Asian American in space, brought on the STS-51L mission. Following the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger and crew, the U.S. Coast Guard recovered the item among the wreckage. The ball holds a special place in Janelle’s heart because seeing her father carry it is one of her last in-person memories of him.

Building on this spirit of connection, Space Center Houston launched “Galaxy’s Game” in late May, an engaging exhibit celebrating the Summer of Soccer. The event combined the excitement of soccer with space-themed activities, allowing visitors from across the world to participate in interactive STEM-related challenges. 

This initiative continues Space Center Houston’s tradition of creating meaningful experiences that link relatable community interests with the wonders of space and science. 

Astronaut Ellison Onizuka’s signed soccer ball is featured in the Galaxy’s Game exhibit, which is open through August 2.

Read how the soccer ball went to space 30 years later.