HISTORY This Week Could the Challenger Disaster Have Been Prevented?
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Jan 27, 2025 
Adam Higginbotham, author of "Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space," dives deep into the tragic Challenger disaster of 1986. He highlights how engineers warned about the dangers of launching in frigid temperatures but were overridden by managerial pressure. The discussion sheds light on the flawed O-rings that failed under extreme cold, transforming what was meant to be a monumental flight into a devastating tragedy just seconds after liftoff. Higginbotham reveals both the heroism and culpability surrounding this pivotal moment in space history.
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The First Shuttle Launch
- The first space shuttle launch in 1981 was a major event, attracting large crowds and media attention.
- The successful return of the shuttle, landing like an airplane, was a pivotal moment for NASA's public image.
Early Shuttle Successes
- Early shuttle missions achieved many firsts, including the first African-American and American woman in space.
- These milestones, along with the 'space cowboy' missions to recover satellites, captivated the public.
Teacher in Space
- NASA's Teacher in Space Project aimed to reignite public interest by sending a teacher into space.
- Krista McAuliffe was selected, generating media excitement and embodying the 'everyman astronaut'.
