BILLINGS — A former Montana resident still vividly remembers the moment 40 years ago when the space shuttle Challenger exploded, killing all seven crew members, including teacher Christa McAuliffe. Click here to hear her story:Former Montana resident recalls watching Challenger disaster 40 years ago"As the Challenger took off, everyone was clapping and cheering," Emery said. Emery was close with McAuliffe's son and recalls how passionate the teacher was about the space mission. "She loved, loved, loved what she was going to do. She was very passionate about it and very excited and so we know that she passed away doing what she loved," Emery said.