LibGuides: Challenger STS-51L: January 28, 1986

January 28, 1986

On January 28, 1986 the Challenger shuttle launched from Kennedy Space Center with seven crew members aboard: Commander Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, pilot Michael J. Smith, payload specialist Gregory B. Jarvis, school teacher Sharon Christa McAuliffe, and mission specialists Judith A. Resnick, Ronald E. McNair, and Ellison S. Onizuka. Designated STS 51-L, the mission was the first to feature a school teacher. McAuliffe planned to conduct several experiments while in space, which would be broadcast to schools across the United States. Millions watched the nationally broadcast launch. 72 seconds after lift-off, a mechanical failure caused the Challenger to break apart, tragically killing all seven crew members.

President Reagan's remarks following the loss of the space shuttle Challenger and her crew
From NASA. Text of President Reagan's remarks following the loss of the space shuttle Challenger and crew. Originally broadcast on January 28, 1986.

Average reading level (in grades): 8.2
An Oral History of the Challenger Disaster
From Popular Mechanics. An oral history bringing together the voices of NASA staff, journalists, and other witnesses of the Challenger disaster.

Average reading level (in grades): 9.4
Warning: Contains images of the explosion
Engineer Who Opposed Challenger Launch Offers Personal Look at Tragedy
From NASA: An article about Allan McDonald, the director of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor Project, who raised concerns about the freezing temperatures and possible O-ring failure the day of the launch. Includes a link to a talk he gave at NASA Langley in October 2012.

Average reading level (in grades): 11.3
The Shuttle Explodes
From the New York Times. The article published on January 28, 1986 in the New York Times about the Challenger disaster.

Average reading level (in grades): 10.1

What Happened? Resources from the FSU Digital Repository

The reports below, published July and October 1986, outline what caused the Challenger disaster.