The Challenger Justin Winslow Science

Early History Fell apart 73 seconds after takeoff. Killed all seven crew members. Devastated the United States.

Pre Launch Conditions and Delays Was launched from the Kennedy Space Station in Florida. Had to be pushed back a day because of they did not have the proper equipment to launch at night. Had to wait until the ice melted the day they launch.

January 28 launch and Failure Some of the bolts were missing and they suspect that could be a contributing factor. The O Ring was too cold to seal in time of the launch. The 2ed o ring was not in the proper place and both rings were vaporized.

Plume As the shuttle went into the Max Q, it slammed against the most power wind shear in the history of the space shuttle program. A leak occurred and liquid nitrogen sparked a fire.

Vehicle Breakup the liquid nitrogen tank failed and a propulsive force broke apart the ship. The right SRB was still suffering the effects of the joint burn which set the distruction of the challenger in motion.

Cause and Time of death Within 10 seconds the cabin was in freefall. The question that is unanswered is whether or not the astronaunts were conscious during the accident.

Aftermath NASA was criticized for it’s lack of openness with the press. On an internal investigation they quickly looked at the solid rocket boosters.

Tributes On the night of the accident President Ronald Reagan was going to give his State of The Union address. The city of Palmdale was the birthplace of the entire shuttle fleet.

Funeral Ceremonies The remains of the crew were identiable and were sent back to the families for a proper burial. Unidentified crew members were buried at the space shuttle “Challenger” memorial ground in Arlington.

Recovery of Debris 15 tons of debris was pulled from the ocean. The search and rescue missions took place a week after the accident.

NASA response After the challenger accident further missions were suspended. The Rogers Commission ordered nine recommandations for the saftey of shuttles.

Media Coverage NASA allowed public schools to watch thte flight take off. More children seen the accident than adults that day.

Reference challenger space shuttlewww.wikipedia.org/