Space Shuttle Challenger disaster

The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, when Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members. The failure of O-ring seals in the right solid rocket booster was linked to record-low launch-morning temperatures. The accident led to a 32-month halt in the Space Shuttle program, a Rogers Commission investigation, changes to NASA safety practices, and redesigned solid rocket boosters.

Date

January 28, 1986

Cause

Failure of O-ring seals in the right solid rocket booster

Program impact

32-month hiatus in the Space Shuttle program