There is no denying that sending people into space is a dangerous and sometimes fatal endeavour. In the most recent records, 18 astronauts and cosmonauts have died in spaceflight while 13 during spaceflight training or testing. Arguably, the Challenger disaster in 1986 is one of the most unfortunate incidents in the history of space travel. This week the thirtieth anniversary of the disaster was commemorated by scientists and civilians alike.
In January 28, 1986, the NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter Challenger exploded 73 seconds following its launch off the coast of Cape Canaveral in Florida. According to subsequent investigation, the disintegration of the spacecraft started after an O-ring seal malfunctioned. This led to pressuried burning gas from escaping the solid rocket motor. All seven members of the Challenger's crew, Mike Smith, Dick Scobee, Ron MC Nair Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Greg Jarvis and Judith Resnik, passed away from the incident.
"We have a report from the flight dynamics officer that the vehicle has exploded" quipped a crew member of the Challenger during the spacecraft's final moments.
People who have been involved in the tragedy have since spoken out about what happened. Amongst the most revealing of the lot is the interview with Bob Ebeling, an engineer who tried to stop NASA from launching the Challenger.
In a recent sit down with NPR, Bob Ebeling, who is now 89 years old, explained that he and his colleagues warned NASA about the possibility of a mishap in the launch.
"NASA ruled the launch. They had their mind set on going up and proving to the world they were right and they knew what they were doing. But they didn't" detailed Ebeling.
After three decades, the former engineer still remains guilty for the Challenger disaster.
"I think that was one of the mistakes that God made. He shouldn't have picked me for the job. But next time I talk to him, I'm gonna ask him, 'Why me. You picked a loser.' "
