Photograph of Space Shuttle Ice and Frost Inspection
1986
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On January 28, 1986, at 11:30, A.M. just one minute after lift off, the Space Shuttle Challenger and its crew were destroyed in an explosion. Not long after the accident President Ronald Reagan ordered an independent commission to investigate. It was found that in cold weather, the O-rings on the Challenger became stiffer and could not return to their normal shape. As the joint rotated, the gap between field joints increased; the O-rings could no longer provide an adequate seal.
This primary source comes from the Records of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
National Archives Identifier: 593693
Full Citation: Photograph of Space Shuttle Ice and Frost Inspection; 1986; Records of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Record Group 255. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/photograph-of-space-shuttle-ice-and-frost-inspection, November 5, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.