35 YEARS LATER: On this day in 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded after liftoff, killing all seven astronauts on board. The Challenger broke apart at 11:39 a.m., falling into the Atlantic Ocean. Investigators would later discover the disaster was caused by the failure of an “O ring” seal in one of the two solid-fuel rockets. As a result of the horrific accident, NASA did not send astronauts into space for more than two years as it redesigned a number of space shuttle features for improv

January 28, 1986: Space shuttle Challenger explodes after liftoff | The National Desk - TND

"It is the worst disaster in the history of the American space program." ABC News coverage from this day in 1986, when seven astronauts died as the space shuttle Challenger exploded after liftoff from Cape Canaveral. https://abcn.ws/310q57b | ABC News

The families of Shuttle Columbia’s crew watch as they launch into space. 🚀 THE SPACE SHUTTLE THAT FELL TO EARTH: 2003 - millions watch live as Columbia breaks up in the sky over Texas, killing all on board. NASA, loved ones and investigators share how an incredible journey ended in tragedy. #Space #Rocket #Moon #NASA #Documentary #Throwback | BBC Two