Space Shuttle Challger

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE, “I remember where I was moments.”

This horrible image is seared into my brain.

(Photo credit: Bruce Weaver/AP)

Thirty-five-years ago today the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after launch.

I know many of you were not born yet.

I was in college taking a popular culture class and we were all in an auditorium on campus watching the launch live on a big screen.

When it happened we had no idea.

I remember asking a fellow classmate if that was how booster rockets were supposed to separate?

Of course, I quickly learned we had just witnessed a disaster.

Shortly after lifting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on January 28, 1986 the shuttle exploded killing its crew of seven.

Challenger was 73 seconds into its flight when it was suddenly enveloped in a huge fireball as thousands of tons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen fuel exploded.

The cause?

An O-ring failure blamed on cold weather doomed the shuttle before it even left the launch pad.

I’LL NEVER FORGET.

You?

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE, “I remember where I was

This horrible image is seared into my

(Photo credit: Bruce

Thirty-five-years ago today the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after

I know many of you were not born

I was in college taking a popular culture class and we were all in an auditorium on campus watching the launch live on a big

When it happened we had no

I remember asking a fellow classmate if that was how booster rockets were supposed to

Of course, I quickly learned we had just witnessed a

Shortly after lifting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on January 28, 1986 the shuttle exploded killing its crew of

Challenger was 73 seconds into its flight when it was suddenly enveloped in a huge fireball as thousands of tons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen fuel

The

An O-ring failure blamed on cold weather doomed the shuttle before it even left the launch