The Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-099) was NASA’s second operational Space Shuttle orbiter, famously known for its highly successful early missions and its tragic destruction during a launch disaster in 1986.
Before its final flight, Challenger was a workhorse for the U.S. space program, introducing several major milestones in space exploration. Operational History and Milestones
Challenger made its maiden voyage in April 1983 on the STS-6 mission. Over nearly three years of service, the spacecraft successfully completed nine milestone missions. Throughout its operational life, Challenger achieved several major historic firsts:
First Space Shuttle Spacewalk: Performed by astronauts Story Musgrave and Donald Peterson during STS-6.
First American Woman in Space: Sally Ride flew aboard Challenger during the STS-7 mission in June 1983.
First African American in Space: Guion Bluford made history on Challenger during the STS-8 mission in August 1983.
First Night Launch and Landing: Achieved during the STS-8 mission. The 1986 Disaster (STS-51L)
On January 28, 1986, Challenger launched on its 10th mission, designated STS-51L. Exactly 73 seconds after liftoff, the spacecraft broke apart violently at an altitude of 46,000 feet, killing all seven crew members on board.
The flight attracted immense public interest because it carried Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher from New Hampshire selected through NASA’s “Teacher in Space” program to be the first private citizen in space. The lives lost on that day were: Francis “Dick” Scobee (Commander) Michael J. Smith (Pilot) Judith Resnik (Mission Specialist) Ellison Onizuka (Mission Specialist) Ronald McNair (Mission Specialist) Gregory Jarvis (Payload Specialist) Christa McAuliffe (Teacher in Space) Technical Cause and Investigation Challenger disaster | Summary, Date, Cause, & Facts