13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle The Space Shuttle: 9. What is it all for?
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Sep 8, 2025 
Mike Mullane, a former Space Shuttle astronaut, shares heartfelt insights about the Challenger disaster and the ensuing soul-searching within NASA. He reflects on the emotional farewells astronauts experience with their families, emphasizing the risks of their missions. Mullane discusses the legacy of tragedy, the technical and safety reforms that followed, and the resilience of the shuttle team. He also highlights the significance of the STS-26 mission, symbolizing a renewed commitment to human spaceflight and the quest for safety in the wake of loss.
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Sacred Beachhouse Goodbyes
- Mike Mullane describes the beach house near Kennedy Space Center as a private refuge for astronauts and families before launch.
- He says watching the xenon lights on the shuttle at night felt dramatically beautiful and emotional.
Presidential Response To Tragedy
- Ronald Reagan addresses the nation after the Challenger accident and honours the crew's sacrifice.
- He uses the phrase about slipping "the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God."
Last Moments In The Hallway
- Crew colleagues recount passing the Challenger astronauts in the simulator hallway and sharing last good wishes.
- Mike Mullane recalls Judy Resnick's final words to him: "screw you, Tarzan."