Today NASA marks the 25th anniversary of the Challenger Explosion that every American should remember. The Challenger Disaster changed the face of a generation as millions watched it explode on television and many believe is was the end of an era we know as Modernism. Christa Mcauliffe, who was chosen to be the first Teacher in Space was on board, a program started by Ronald Reagan in 1984. You can watch the video Challenger Explosion below.
Challenger’s entire crew was killed when the shuttle exploded just 73 seconds after its launch, 46,000 feet in the air. The explosion was broadcast on live television.
In 2003, a faulty heat shield caused Columbia to disintegrate as it re-entered the earth’s atmosphere, killing seven astronauts. A fire aboard Apollo 1 proved fatal for the vessel’s crew of three in 1967. This mission was the first of NASA’s manned trips to the moon.
Since 1964, 24 people have been killed in a NASA mission, but NASA says it has learned since then.
“Safety is the number one priority at NASA and the shuttle launch schedule does not drive discussions or decisions when issues arise,” a NASA spokesperson told PCMag. “That is reiterated often and is apparent in media events about the issues.”
A prayers continue to be with those who have lost love ones through the space program and for its continued safety for our astronauts.
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