Astronomy: Challenger space shuttle

On 28 January 1986 the world was shocked by the accident of the space shuttle Challenger. All seven crewmembers died when the shuttle exploded during the launch. The crew on this picture: Commander Francis Scobee Michael Smith Ellison Onizuka Ronald McNair Judith Resnik Gregory Jarvis Christa McAuliffe
The night before launch temperatures dropped more than expected and to prevent water pipes in the launch platform from freezing, safety showers and fire hoses had been turned on. Because of this water ice formed on the launch platform and there were concerns if this could cause damage when the shuttle would be launched.
Fiftynine seconds after launch the shuttle experienced heavy winds which may have damaged structural joints. What we do know for a fact is that flames reached the external fuel tank and an explosion took place. In seconds the Challenger exploded and fell apart completely. One hundred seconds after launch the last flight data was transmitted from the Challenger. Related subjects >> Columbia space shuttle accident >> The space shuttle >> More accidents in space travel