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Today in History: Challenger Disaster Claims Lives of Seven Astronauts

1/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 28, 1986, NASA's Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds after launch, tragically killing all seven crew members. The accident occurred at 46,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, marking the first fatal incident involving an American spacecraft during flight. This was the Challenger's final mission, designated STS-51-L.

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Story summary

On January 28, 1986, NASA's Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds after launch, tragically killing all seven crew members. The accident occurred at 46,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, marking the first fatal incident involving an American spacecraft during flight. This was the Challenger's final mission, designated STS-51-L.