Could the Challenger Disaster Have Been Prevented?
HISTORY This Week
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Challenges Behind the Shuttle's Glory
This chapter examines the stark contrast between the public's excitement for NASA's space shuttle missions and the significant dangers hidden beneath the surface. It highlights engineering challenges, particularly with the solid rocket boosters and O-ring seals, that posed serious risks to human spaceflight. As NASA aimed to increase launch frequency for financial support, the pressures faced by engineers foreshadowed the tragic events of the Challenger disaster.
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