Final answer:
The allusion in Ronald Reagan's speech compares the Challenger astronauts' mission to the historical explorations of Sir Francis Drake, emphasizing that the journey of discovery often includes sacrifice. This places the astronauts in the context of a long human tradition of exploration, acknowledging the risks and sacrifices made in the pursuit of knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The allusion used in paragraph 14 of Ronald Reagan’s Challenger Disaster speech contributes to the idea that discovery requires sacrifice by connecting the astronauts' journey to a historical act of exploration - the endeavor of Sir Francis Drake. Reagan likens the astronauts to Drake, who was also involved in a dangerous, yet noble pursuit for knowledge and exploration. The allusion enhances the speech by putting the astronauts' sacrifice into a broader context of human exploration and the desire to push beyond the known limits, invariably involving risks and sometimes, the ultimate sacrifice.
By doing so, Reagan honors the astronauts by placing them in the same narrative as a revered explorer, underlining the notion that the path to discovery is often paved with hardships and the sacrifices of those who strive for advancement. It is a poignant reminder to the audience that the crew of the Challenger were partaking in a larger human quest, sharing the same spirit as explorers throughout history who accepted the risks in exchange for the chance to contribute to human understanding and progress.