Seconds From Disaster - S03E12 - Space Shuttle Explosion Space Shuttle Challenger
- published: 19 Aug 2015
- views: 179037
Space Shuttle Challenger blasts off from Cape Canaveral to start the STS-51-L mission. Freezing weather leads to the O-rings in one of the field joints in a solid rocket booster to leak hot gases that impinge on its mount on the external tank. However, pieces of aluminum from the solid rocket fuel build up and seals the joint. 58 seconds later, a strong jetstream dislodges the aluminum, allowing rocket fuel to leak out once more. 15 seconds afterward, the external tank breaks up, the solid rocket boosters fly free, and aerodynamic forces rip Challenger into pieces that fall into the ocean. All seven astronauts on board are killed....