January 28: Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion (1986)
Prayer Idea
Pray for those who work in space exploration—astronauts, scientists, engineers, and assembly technicians.
History Note
In 1981 the first reusable spacecraft, the Space Shuttle Columbia, was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. No spacecraft before this had ever been used more than once. Two years later, Sally Ride became the first female U.S. astronaut when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.
The shuttle program re-ignited interest in American space flight. However, tragedy struck the shuttle program on January 28, 1986, when the Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff. All seven astronauts on board were killed.
An investigation into what went wrong centered on O-rings on the rocket boosters. The O-rings failed, which caused a fuel leak, which led to the explosion. The temperature on launch day was unusually cold, and engineers had recommended that the launch be delayed. But higher officials at NASA ignored this advice and proceeded with the launch.
Investigators also identified other equipment problems and mismanagement of the entire program. Shuttle flights were grounded until September of 1988.
These are the members of the STS-51-L mission of Space Shuttle Challenger. In the back row are Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, and Judith Resnik. In the front row are Michael Smith, Dick Scobee, and Ronald McNair. Photo courtesy NASA.
Learn More
On the day of the Challenger disaster, President Ronald Reagan spoke to the nation.
The families of the crew members believed that they must carry on the spirit of their loved ones by continuing the Challenger crew’s educational mission. Their efforts resulted in the creation of Challenger Center for Space Science Education.
A network of Challenger Learning Centers use space-themed simulated learning and role-playing strategies to help students bring their studies to life and cultivate skills needed for future success, such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
Visit Homeschool History to find more resources about Challenger and space exploration.
