The world was shocked and saddened 39 years ago after the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy. The crewed shuttle mission for NASA ended moments after the launch with a terrible mid-air explosion on Jan.

For millions, it was an event that would be seared into their memories for the rest of their lives – on par with the Kennedy assassination and 9/11.

'We’re growing, we’re becoming stronger ': 39 years since Challenger Space Shuttle explosion ...

The Challenger disaster, which occurred on January 28, 1986, remains one of the most heartbreaking events in space exploration. The tragedy was caused by a failure in the shuttle’s solid rocket ...

NASA recently paid tribute to the Challenger crew and other fallen astronauts during its annual Day of Remembrance.

On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded after it was launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida in just 73 seconds which claimed the lives of seven astronauts.

“It’s the Space Shuttle Challenger ... with me in my train car through the Loop had probably watched the shuttle explode on the news at work that afternoon multiple times.

it is with deep, heartfelt sorrow. I address you here this afternoon at 11:40 a.m. This morning Space program experienced a national tragedy with the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.

Immediately after the explosion, NASA began working to ... 15 minutes before it was set to touch down at Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle disintegrated as it reentered the atmosphere, and pieces ...

WASHINGTON — It's been 39 years since the Challenger space shuttle explosion, one of NASA's most devastating tragedies. NASA's Challenger shuttle exploded 73 seconds after lifting off on Jan. 28 ...