1986 Challenger Disaster

The Challenger Disaster Thesis: I believe that in 1986 the space shuttle Challenger exploded due to low temperatures and the faulty design of one of the joints on an SRB (solid rocket booster). Why was this event unique? I believe this event is unique to the 1980’s because it was the first time a civilian, a school teacher, was going into space. That fact alone captured the attention of the entire nation. After the Challenger crashed …

…public opinion, budget, politics, or scientific needs. January 28, 1986 was the day that seven US astronauts died when their shuttle, The Challenger, exploded 73 seconds after launch. It was the coldest day in history that a shuttle had been launched. The cause of the accident was due to bad weather and the failure of the aft joint seal in the right SRB. This tragic accident will always be remembered in the space program and in US history.