On January 28, 1986, millions of people around the world watched in shock as the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart just 73 seconds after liftoff. The disaster claimed the lives of seven astronauts — Francis R. “Dick” Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Ronald E. McNair, Ellison S. Onizuka, Judith A. Resnik, Gregory B. Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe — and changed the future of space exploration forever. This volume in the Defining Moments in World History series provides a comprehensive, chronological account of the Challenger disaster, from the origins of the shuttle program through the tragic launch, national mourning, the Rogers Commission investigation, and the program’s eventual return to flight. Inside, readers will find: The ambitious goals and pressures that shaped NASA’s shuttle program. - The selection of Christa McAuliffe and the Teacher in Space initiative. - Warnings from engineers about the O-ring problem — and why they were ignored. - A minute-by-minute account of January 28, 1986, from countdown to catastrophe. - The aftermath of the disaster, including President Reagan’s address and the national outpouring of grief. - The findings of the Rogers Commission and the hard lessons NASA was forced to learn. - Challenger’s enduring legacy in education, space safety, and exploration. Written in an accessible, narrative style, The Challenger Disaster blends technical detail with human stories, offering readers a clear understanding of both what happened and why it mattered. It serves as both a tribute to the astronauts who gave their lives and a vital case study in the balance between ambition, safety, and responsibility. For students, educators, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in space exploration, this book stands as a definitive account of one of the most significant and sobering moments in modern history.