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.

Journalist Adam Higginbotham, author of "Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space," discusses the preventable tragedy of the Challenger disaster. He reveals how early warnings from engineers were ignored due to political pressure and highlights the dangers of groupthink in the space program. The conversation touches on the historic launch of educator Krista McAuliffe, the engineering flaws in the shuttle, and lessons learned from both the Challenger and Columbia disasters, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance in aerospace safety.

Adam Higginbotham, an author renowned for his exploration of historical disasters, delves into the Challenger space shuttle tragedy. He recounts the fateful day and its lasting impact on America, highlighting the bravery of the seven astronauts. The conversation emphasizes the engineering flaws, particularly the notorious O-rings, that culminated in disaster. Higginbotham also discusses commercial pressures that compromised safety and how this event reshaped public perception of NASA and its legacy in space exploration.