Impressive photos show how the shuttle exploded in 73 seconds, killing 7 people on board

TODAY marks the 36th anniversary of the Challenger space shuttle disaster that saw the shuttle explode 73 seconds after takeoff – killed seven people on board.

Dramatic photos show the destruction of the space shuttle and its grim fate on January 28, 1986.

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NASA’s Space Shuttle Orbiter broke down just 73 seconds into its flight at 11:39 a.m. local time that day.

Just seconds after the mission, a flame was seen going through the solid rocket launch tube, which would eventually lead to a catastrophic explosion that claimed the lives of the astronauts and crew members on board. ship.

The space shuttle Challenger OV-099 exploded in mid-air just over a minute after takeoff, shattering.

The crew compartment flew to an altitude of 12.3 miles before free-falling into the Atlantic Ocean.

The explosion claimed the lives of 7 people: 5 NASA astronauts and 2 payload specialists.

An O-ring fault attributed to cold weather sent the shuttle off course before it left the launch pad.

Photos of the day show horrified spectators after they witnessed the explosion while media people on board the spacecraft were watching helplessly as they saw the live feed.

Among those on board was New Hampshire high school teacher Christa McAuliffe.

The other six crew members are payload specialist Gregory Jarvis, mission specialist Judith A Resnik, mission commander Francis R Scobee, mission specialist Ronald E McNair, pilot Mike J Smith and mission specialist Ellison S Onizuka.

Their names were added to the Space Memorial Mirror at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

The disaster disrupted the Space Shuttle program and the creation of the Rogers Commission, a special commission appointed by President Ronald Reagan to investigate the crash, which was disrupted for 32 months.

Last year on the 35th anniversary of the tragedy, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire pays tribute to McAullife’s life.

McAuliffe, who was selected from more than 11,000 flight applicants, will be NASA’s first designated teacher in space.

In honor of McAuliffe, Shaheen said: “For Granite Theatre, and for teachers and educators across the United States, there will always be a special place in our hearts for Christa McAuliffe.

“Christa McAullife is on a mission to space, but as a teacher, she also has a personal mission to educate and enlighten.

“Today, we remember and honor her courage, passion for teaching, and great legacy.”

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