Space Shuttle "Challenger": Remembering the Crew Lost on the Spacecraft

President Obama will be giving a State of the Union Address later tonight, but let's not forget that today marks the 28^th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger disaster.  On this day in 1986, the spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida and then exploded over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds later, killing all seven crew members.

This tragic disaster resulted in a 32-month hiatus in the space shuttle program and led to the creation of the Rogers Commission, which was responsible for investigating the Challenger accident. The final report was submitted to President Ronald Reagan on June 9, 1986, urging NASA to provide new safety measures on the shuttles for future missions.

The accident was caused by the failure of an O-ring seal in the shuttle's right solid rocket booster. As a result, pressurized hot gas from the solid rocket motor reached the outside and came into contact with the external fuel tank.

The tragedy was witnessed by citizens across the nation. At the time, the presence of crew member Christa McAuliffe created more of a novelty; she would have been the first teacher in space. She was the first member of the Teacher in Space Project, which was a NASA program formed in 1984 to inspire students, honor teachers and spur interest in mathematic, science and space exploration. NASA ended the program in 1990, but it has since been revived in the private sector.

Prior to the 1986 disaster, the Challenger completed six missions and boasted accomplishments that included the first American woman, African-American and Canadian in space; three Spacelab missions; and the first night launch and night landing of a space shuttle.

The 1986 STS-51-L mission was expected to last six days. Those who were aboard are honored and remembered for their contribution to science 28 years later: Francis R. Scobee (Mission Commander), Michael J. Smith (Pilot), Ellison S. Onizuka (Mission Specialist 1), Judith A. Resnik (Mission Specialist 2), Ronald E. McNair (Mission Specialist 3), Christa McAuliffe (Payload Specialist 1), and Gregory B. Jarvis (Payload Specialist 2).

To read and see more about the Challenger disaster, visit this article on the Universe Today website.