Challenger 1986: O-Ring Failure and the Loss of Seven Astronauts
The short version
A short National Geographic UK segment recounts the Challenger accident of January 28th, 1986. It describes a puff of gray smoke at liftoff, a flame at 58 seconds, and the explosion at 73 seconds at 46,000 ft. All seven astronauts died, and the failure is traced to the O-rings on the solid rocket booster joints.
Questions this video answers
When did Challenger launch?
At 11:38 a.m. on January 28th, 1986.
When did Challenger break apart?
73 seconds after liftoff, at an altitude of 46,000 ft.
How many people died on Challenger?
All seven astronauts died.
What was the cause?
The video says the entire failure can be traced to the O-rings, rubber seals between the joints on the solid rocket booster.
What happened to the crew compartment?
The crew compartment ascended to 65,000 ft and then fell into the Atlantic Ocean, hitting it at over 200 mph.
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