Case Study: The Challenger Disaster

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Most Americans acknowledge the fact that the Challenger disaster was reasonably one of the most important events in terms of its meaning on the United States of America space and aeronautic program, but also in the whole history of space flight. It was on the freezing cold morning tide of Jan 28th, in the year of 1986, when 7 cosmonauts aboard Challenger lost their lives live in front of millions of TV spectators. The shuttle tore up just a minute and 13 seconds after taking off, consuming more than half a million gallons of fuel in simply a few seconds, creating a poisonous, dark cloud.

Challenger’s critical mission code STS-51-L was an unusual mission. The squad included Christa McAuliffe, the first non-studied spacewoman. She worked as …show more content…
Immediately after take-off, at 11:38 (Eastern Standard Time) none of the computer indicators showed any problem with the spacecraft. Lifting off and getting back are the most crucial stages in a Shuttle’s voyage, and this one favorably went through the first. The people were delighted with the lift-off; so they never expected it was approaching to its deadly mission.

On Its Way To Disaster
Around 58 seconds since the flight started, Challenger started its MaxQ, a spot where aerodynamic pressure on the craft is at its highest point. The flight supervisor directed to reduce the power to hold these forces in safe limits. Despite Challenger successfully did it through this point, experts found that it represented an essential part in the failure.
Exactly after 73 seconds in the air, the spacecraft tore apart all over the Atlantic. The rupture started with a mess of a seal that allowed a large amount of boiling gasses burst through. This acted as a flame thrower, and penetrated into the Outer Tank. The container of liquid hydrogen collapsed and smashed into the oxygen container, producing a discharge of fuel that burst in flames.
But Challenger didn't explode, it was ripped apart by unusual forces. The cabin compartment survived intact and dropped, getting a speed of about 207 mph when it crashed into the
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