Kennedy Space Center's Gene Thomas Dead At 82, Challenger Accident Most Memorable Experience

Gene Thomas, former Kennedy Space Center top official, died at the age of 82. NASA with other members of the aeronautic space group are mourning following his death on June 7, Tuesday.

Thomas made countless contributions to NASA. For instance, he survived NASA's very first shuttle accident. He, along with 7 other astronauts were on board when the space shuttle tragedy happened. The failed launch resulted in death of all of his on-board companions.

Christa McAuliffe, also known as the "teacher in space," was one of those that did not survive  The disaster, which happened soon after the shuttle's takeoff, caused some parts of the "Challenger" to explode and a few other parts were destroyed due to the uncontrollable exhaust fumes.

The "Challenger" tragedy happened in Florida on January 28, 1986. A day before the said launch, engineers raised their concerns about the O-rings, a material made of rubber that are used to strengthen the seal of the shuttle parts. Due to the extreme cold that Florida experienced during that time, the O-rings became stiff that it failed to fully seal the shuttle and released hot gasses that destroyed a tank full of liquid oxygen and nitrogen.

The failed launch experience was devastating not only for Thomas, but for the rest of the world,  Space reported.

After the incident, Thomas became the director of safety, reliability and quality assurance at Kennedy Space Centre for a long time.  In 1990 he was promoted to become the centre's deputy director. Thomas was empowered to make a huge contribution with regards to spacecraft safety measures.

The tragedy also tested his Christian faith and wrote a book entitled "Some trust in Chariots" in 2006, Florida Today reported. Thomas wrote in his book that there was no other personal experience more devastating than the Challenger; hence, will be forever engraved in his memory.

Thomas was given numerous awards during his service such as Exceptional Service Medal and Outstanding Leadership Medal.