Posted on 01/27/2006 9:29:40 AM PST by John W
HOUSTON - Twenty years ago, millions of television viewers were horrified to witness the live broadcast of the space shuttle Challenger exploding 73 seconds into flight, ending the lives of the seven astronauts on board. And they were equally horrified to learn in the aftermath of the disaster that the faulty design had been chosen by NASA to satisfy powerful politicians who had demanded the mission be launched, even under unsafe conditions. Meanwhile, a major factor in the disaster was that NASA had been ordered to use a weaker sealant for environmental reasons. Finally, NASA consoled itself and the nation with the realization that all frontiers are dangerous and to a certain extent, such a disaster should be accepted as inevitable.
At least, that seems to be how many people remember it, in whole or in part. That’s how the story of the Challenger is often retold, in oral tradition and broadcast news, in public speeches and in private conversations and all around the Internet. But spaceflight historians believe that each element of the opening paragraph is factually untrue or at best extremely dubious. They are myths, undeserving of popular belief and unworthy of being repeated at every anniversary of the disaster.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
I remember watching it in my classroom..
The media tried to tie the forced launch on Reagan's SOTU speach. They (MSM) said he forced NASA to launch so he mention Christa Macoluff (sp?) in his SOTU.
The pressure and the decision to launch were made by the head of NASA, who held a Doctorate in Education.
He was completely incompetent in the technical fields, but had the power to fire anyone who disagreed with him.
He also threatened to exercise the power to fire.
The Engineers who were competent to decide that the temperature was lower than what was safe for a launch were overruled by the incompetent head of NASA.
It was just like you deciding that you could run your car without oil. You could decide that if you wanted, but you would get the result of that decision.
He was incompetent, had the power, exercised the power, and got the predictable result. It is not a "Myth".
I was assigned to Patrick AFB Hospital and watched shuttle launches from the parking lot. I will never forget that day, just like the day that Kennedy was killed and 911 it is indelibly etched on my brain. There were lots or rumors going on for months. We used to go out to the old Titan missle site for excercises and they buried all the recovered debris in one of the silos and covered it with concrete. Some of the rumors regarding the body parts and how they found them should not be repeated. Suffice it to say they did not die in the explosion.
It happened on the day scheduled for the State of the Union address, so all the lead anchors, reporters were in place in DC.
I'll never forget that day for many reasons. One being the touching remarks from President Reagan.
RIP Challenger crew.
Skip the "MIGHT" .
It would not have happened if the temperature had been high enough that the O ring wasn't so stiff it couldn't seal.
It is a wonder that several O rings didn't fail.
Saying "well it might have happened anyway" is to minimize the incompetence of the "Doctor" who ordered it launched even after being told that it was outside its safe operating temperature.
Regardless of how many people actually did or did not see the launch live, (I personally did not watch it live), this article is a pretty good analysis of the facts surrounding the Challenger accident, and is worth reading.
Good post!
yep, BS
I saw it live, and called my Mom into the room to watch it. cant remember what channel but it was definitely on the air.
James Oberg, Name names or I call BS!
Read on.Thats one of the myths.
My entire school had a television in EVERY CLASSROOM for this launch. I can attest that Deer Park High School in Deer Park, TX saw it, live.
I remember MSM talk that the was pressure to launch that day because Reagan had it written into his SOTU speech.
Damned if you do and damned....
I presume we are in agreement here AFTER THE FACT. Up to the disaster we all agreed that this COULD HAPPEN.
I remember this well. I was home sick from school and heard about it on the radio. I went downstairs to tell my mother.
Pride killed them.
I agree with you...I will never forget sitting in biology class and seeing it live on TV. It was a big deal because a teacher was on board.
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