Mission STS-51-L
The Challenger Legacy
A journey that captured the hearts of a generation. Dedicated to the seven pioneers who reached for the stars and the teacher who aimed to bring the universe into our classrooms.
Launch Date
January 28, 1986Crew Members
7 HeroesSpacecraft
Challenger OV-099Location
Kennedy Space Center, FLExplore Story
Mission Timeline
The path of the journey
Jan 28, 11:38 AM
Liftoff
After several delays, Challenger lifts off from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B.
T+ 73 Seconds
Breakup
The vehicle suffered a structural failure originating from the right Solid Rocket Booster O-ring seal.
The Afternoon
National Mourning
President Ronald Reagan delivers a televised address, quoting the poem 'High Flight': 'Slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God.'
Post-1986
The Legacy
The Challenger Center for Space Science Education was formed by the families to continue the crew's mission of education.
Voices of Remembrance