On January 28, 1986, the Challenger was supposed to conduct the TISP (Teacher in Space Program). In other words, for the very first time, a teacher would be boarding the Challenger to visit space. However, the temperature was too cold (29 degrees F). The engineers who made the Challenger told the NASA managers that they should wait until the temperature reached 58 degrees F. This is because the low temperatures might cause the O-rings to not seal properly. The O-rings kept hot gases, preventing them from escaping.
However, NASA really wanted to launch the flight, so the managers decided to give the go-ahead anyway. Just as Challenger was pulling away from Earth, one of the O-rings failed to seal, causing the hot gas to escape. Flames shot out from one slide of the rocket and licked at the hydrogen tank. Seconds later, the tank exploded, and all seven crew members, including the teacher, died on the spot.
This shows how important it is to consider the safety facts instead of rushing into things. Due to the cold weather, the O-ring had contracted and became too stiff to seal properly. This caused 7 innocent people to be killed.
This is a video showing the live recording of the Challenger explosion.
No comments:
Post a Comment