Space Shuttle Challenger disaster - January 28, 1986

Опубликовано: 13 Январь 2025
на канале: HISTORY BOX

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The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, when the orbiter broke apart just 73 seconds after launch, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members. The incident was caused by the failure of an O-ring seal in one of the solid rocket boosters, which allowed hot gases to escape and damage the external fuel tank.

The crew included Christa McAuliffe, a schoolteacher selected to be the first private citizen in space, and six experienced astronauts. The disaster shocked the nation and led to a reevaluation of NASA's safety practices. An extensive investigation, led by the Rogers Commission, revealed flaws in decision-making processes and communication within NASA. The tragedy underscored the risks of space exploration and prompted significant changes in engineering and safety protocols for future missions.