The Challenger Disaster Quiz

What was the mission of the space shuttle Challenger?

• To fly to Mars

• To place two satellites into orbit- -one to follow a comet and one for communication.

• To land on the moon.

• To link with the International Space Station-dropping off astronauts to work.

Who was the first private citizen chosen for a space mission?

• Francis "Dick" Scobee

• Judith Resnik

• Michael Smith

• Christa McAuliffe

What made the Challenger launch especially thrilling for the public?

• It was one of many routine missions.

• The mission was a part of the Teacher in Space program.

• The launch was scheduled on Super Bowl Sunday.

• The launch would take place in freezing conditions.

What happened 73 seconds after the Challenger's launch?

• The rockets fired and the shuttle began its ascent.

• The crew members braced for the roar of the rockets.

• A stream of fire shot out from one of the rockets.

• The fuel tank exploded, leading to the disaster.

What did the crowd witness as the Challenger exploded?

• A thrilling spectacle of the shuttle ascending.

• The terrible truth of the disaster unfolding.

• The astronauts safely landing back on Earth.

• The rockets falling into the ocean as planned.

What concern did the engineers from Morton Thiokol have before the launch?

• The risk of rocket fuel leaking and causing an explosion.

• The freezing temperatures in Florida affecting the launch.

• The delay in the launch impacting the Teacher in Space program.

• NASA's dissatisfaction leading to a loss of future business.

How did NASA respond to the engineers' recommendation against the launch?

• They decided to postpone the launch.

• They agreed to change the design of the rockets.

• They ignored the recommendation and proceeded with the launch.

• They conducted further testing to address the engineers' concerns.

Who was Allan McDonald, and why was he shocked on the day of the launch?

• He was a NASA manager who made the final decision to launch.

• He was a Thiokol engineer who refused to sign off on the launch.

• He was an astronaut who personally inspected the new rocket design.

• He was one of the students watching the launch in shock.

What did the investigation report identify as the cause of the catastrophe?

• A failure in the O-rings of the rocket boosters.

• The freezing temperatures affecting the fuel tank.

• NASA's ambitious schedule for the shuttle program.

• Lack of communication within the space agency.

What changes did NASA implement as a result of the Challenger disaster?

• They redesigned the rocket boosters and increased testing.

• They discontinued the space shuttle program.

• They established a permanent base on the moon.

• They built the International Space Station.