Space Shuttle CHALLENGER

Space Shuttle Challenger

• Space shuttle Challenger was NASA’s greatest triumph with 9 successful missions.

• It also was involved in one of the most tragic days for NASA and the United States.

• January 28, 1986 at 11:38 am the Challenger lifted off for it’s 10th mission.

• 73 seconds after liftoff, it exploded over the Atlantic ocean.

• 7 astronauts were killed including Christa McAuliffe. McAuliffe was the first civilian and teacher to train for space.

• School children all over the country were watching the launch on live TV.

• Launched in front of more media attention than usual, because of McAuliffe.

Christa McAuliffe

• The first Challenger launched successful on April 4, 1983 after several delays. Delays were caused by hydrogen leaks, and cracks in one of the engines.

• The Challenger had several first; Sally Ride first woman, first African American in space, Guion Bluford, first night launch and landing, first Spacelab.

• The Challenger also had the first astronaut repair of a satellite in 1984.

• As pieces of the shuttle fell into the Atlantic Ocean in front of McAuliffe’s parents NASA’s commentator reported, “Flight controllers here are looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction.”

• Salvage crews spent several weeks recovering pieces of the shuttle and bringing up the remains of crew members.

• Presidential commission looked into the incident. The commission included the Sally Ride and Neil Armstrong (first man on the moon)

• Found the technical cause of the accident was cold weather degrading the seal on the boosters.

• Culture of NASA was not to tell all the problems of the launch to the decision team.

• Changes were made– technical changes– culture of workforce– civilians on board were shelved for 22 years– Satellite launches were shifted from the shuttle to

reusable rockets– astronauts duties were changed

The Crew

• Every January NASA pauses to remember the last crew of Challenger and other crews in lost in space.

• The families of Challenger crew founded the Challenger Center for Space Science Education program, which brings students on simulated space missions.