What happened during the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion?

What time did the space shuttle challenger explode?

The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded at 11:39 a.m. EST on January 28, 1986, just 73 seconds after its launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The explosion took the lives of all seven crew members on board, including Christa McAuliffe, who was set to become the first teacher to travel to space as part of NASA's Teacher in Space Program.

Details of the Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion

The Time of the Explosion: The tragic event occurred at 11:39 a.m. EST, shortly after liftoff.

Cause of the Explosion: The explosion was traced back to a faulty O-ring seal in one of the rocket boosters. This O-ring failure allowed hot gases to escape and damage the fuel tank, ultimately leading to the disintegration of the shuttle.

Impact of the Disaster: The Challenger disaster was a devastating blow not only to NASA but also to the United States and the global community. It highlighted the risks and dangers of space exploration and underscored the importance of prioritizing safety measures in all space missions.

Consequences: Following the tragedy, NASA suspended its shuttle program for over two years. The agency conducted a comprehensive review of its procedures and protocols to prevent similar accidents in the future.

← The first five pearls of zeta phi beta sorority Exploring historical perspectives a journey through time →