25 years ago ~ Challenger Disaster

[Exotix]

Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Challenger_disaster




From joy to tragedy

The shuttle Challenger's mission in 1986 was meant to mark a milestone in spaceflight: the first orbital voyage of an American teacher.

NASA's choice for the honor was Christa McAuliffe, a social-studies teacher at Concord High School in New Hampshire.

Here, McAuliffe rides past the New Hampshire State House in Concord with her daughter Caroline and son Scott, during a Lions Club parade on July 21, 1985.

[RetiredSFC 97]

That was a tragedy for sure and could and should have been prevented. And to think it happened again.

[Bill]

Not to diminish the national tragedy that was the Challenger disaster, but I have to wonder why McAuliffe was on that flight to begin with.

The folks on that shuttle should be the best of the best NASA and the Air Force have to offer. It shouldn't be used as some kind of feel good PR mission, or to demonstrate some kind of quota, gender, racial, or otherwise.

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by RetiredSFC 97

That was a tragedy for sure and could and should have been prevented. And to think it happened again.

There were a lot of disasters that happened in the Space Program, many unpublished. Although tragic, we continued, we endured and we never gave up and never given into fear; thankfully.

That is the American way.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by ChasC5

There were a lot of disasters that happened in the Space Program, many unpublished. Although tragic, we continued, we endured and we never gave up and never given into fear; thankfully.

That is the American way.

Actually, the American way would have been for private business to develop a space program. The government developing a space program is more like the Soviet Union way, or the communist Chinese way.

Just something to think about.

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by bill_daniels

Actually, the American way would have been for private business to develop a space program. The government developing a space program is more like the Soviet Union way, or the communist Chinese way.

Just something to think about.

My best Porfessor at college, worked for NASA and JPL.

I always remembering him saying, private contractors help put the program several years behind.

I guess he should know.

[VITE1]

Originally Posted by ChasC5

There were a lot of disasters that happened in the Space Program, many unpublished. Although tragic, we continued, we endured and we never gave up and never given into fear; thankfully.

That is the American way.