The explosion killed seven crew members: Commander Francis R. Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Greg Jarvis and Christa McAuliffe were mission specialists. McAuliffe would have been the first teacher in space.
The explosion was caused by a faulty seal on the rocket booster, which ignited the fuel tank, a government-appointed commission found during their investigation. Unusually cold temperatures contributed to the issue with the O-ring seals.
NASA suspended space missions with astronauts for two years until a design overhaul of main shuttle components was completed.
In Other News
1
European court upholds Italy's right to seize prized Greek bronze from...
2
I-95 in Connecticut will close for days after fiery crash damages...
3
Sony Pictures and private equity firm Apollo express interest in buying...
4
A scroll for the king, a website for the people: Coronation document to...
5
At least 2,000 people arrested in pro-Palestinian protests on US...
About the Author